Virus sidelines Sinner in Paris

Jannik Sinner withdrew on Tuesday from the Paris Masters, with the world no. 1 citing a virus as the reason for his sudden pullout.

The Italian cited a virus as he pulled the plug a day before his intended start in the second round after a bye.

The 22-year-old last competed this month in the controversial Saudi exhibition, where he won the three-day event and claimed a record prize packet of USD 6 million.

He will hopefully be fit again when the ATP Finals begin in less than a fortnight at home in Turin.

Sinner’s withdrawal leaves the Paris event without both himself and Novak Djokovic, who has drastically cut back his schedule since winning Olympic gold over the summer.

“Hey guys, I’m here. I’m very disappointed to tell you that I am not able to play here at this tournament,” Sinner said in a video message to fans.

.”I came very early here to prepare and then I felt sick. I’m having a virus at the moment, which is gonna pass in the next two or three days. Body-wise, I am not able to compete.
“I am very, very sorry for that. I will see you guys [in Paris] next year, hopefully it will be a great year. And this year – without me! Hopefully I’ll see you next year. Ciao.”