Sinner, what changes in the race for world number 1 after retiring in Madrid

Jannik Sinner he had already said it after the semi-final lost in Monte Carlo against Tsitsipas: “Madrid will be a preparatory tournament for Rome and Paris”. But the 22-year-old from South Tyrol, number 2 in the world, didn’t think he would have to raise the white flag due to an injury and have to withdraw before taking the field for the quarter-finals.

Sinner and his hip problem

It all started three weeks ago during the Principality tournament, when Sinner complained about right hip problems. An annoyance that resurfaced last week during a very intense physical preparation in view of the appointments circled in red on the calendar: Rome and Paris. During the third round match against the Russian Kotov, the hip pain returned but Sinner managed to take home the match. His presence against Khachanov, in the round of 16, was in doubt until the last moment (the tournament organizers had canceled the match from the official program published on the website) and the green light arrived only after the warm up. Yesterday, on the rest day before tackling Auger-AliassimeSinner was expected on the pitch for a training session, which however was canceled and the announcement of the withdrawal was anticipated.

Sinner’s message

“I am very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid. My hip has been bothering me this week and is slowly becoming more painful – she wrote on Sinner social media -. We listened to the doctors’ advice and decided that it is better not to play any further so as not to make things worse. In the next few days I will do more tests and follow the specialists’ advice on recovery. Thank you guys for all your support.”

Rome on the horizon

Sinner’s goal is to recover in time for the Masters 1000 of Rome scheduled at the Foro Italico from 8 to 19 May. There is obviously great anticipation for Jannik, who last year stopped in the round of 16 against the Argentine Francisco Cerundolo. The men’s draw is scheduled for Monday.

Sinner and the race to be world number 1

With the retreat in Madrid it is already certain that Sinner will not be able to become world number 1 already in Rome. By reaching the quarterfinals the blue has further shortened the distance from Novak Djokovic, but overtaking cannot take place at the Forum. Sinner will show up in Rome with 8770 points (the 90 obtained last year must be discarded from the current 8860), Djokovic will have 9810 (the 180 from the quarterfinals achieved in 2023 must be discarded). In the best case scenario (Sinner wins the tournament, Djokovic exits immediately) Jannik would reach 9770 points, very close but still behind Nole.