The Madrid Open was one of the most inexplicable tournaments in recent history for injuries.
And whilst some entered the competition already nursing ailments, with Carlos Alcaraz’s forearm arguably the most notable hindrance, it has since become clear that there were many others also hampered by unforeseen circumstances.
After all, Daniil Medvedev was forced to retire against Jiri Lehecka during their quarter-final match, before the Czech Republic player also bowed out of mid-way through his clash with Felix Auger Aliassime.
Alcaraz was well beaten by the eventual winner Andrey Rublev, but perhaps the most shocking exit was Jannik Sinner.
However, we have since learned the extent of his struggles.
Jannik Sinner provides important injury update
Whilst he had been doubtful at times, and throughout his run he insisted that there was an expiry date on his performances, the fact that he just kept winning perhaps papered over the cracks.
Well, only when he was truly forced out of the tournament because he could no longer compete was the severity of his injury detailed.
And now, speaking just yesterday at his press conference, he offered a grave update regarding his fitness.
The Italian claimed: ‘We all thought it wasn’t a serious problem. I don’t want to say exactly what it is. If it wasn’t 100% healed, I would be forced to stop playing for a long time.’
Therefore, had they not acted when they did on an ailment deemed to be unimportant, we could have been without Sinner for far longer than we will likely have to suffer.
It would be a shame to go on without Jannik Sinner
One thing that nobody can deny from this season’s ATP tour is how impressive Sinner has been.
Having kickstarted his year with a maiden Grand Slam title, winning in Melbourne emphatically, the young superstar would back that up with a further two titles, dominating in Rotterdam and then Miami to soar above Carlos Alcaraz in the world rankings.
It marks an emphatic rise from the 22-year-old, who was showing no signs of slowing down as we entered the clay court season.
His semi-final spot in the Monte-Carlo Masters only reinforced that, as he was narrowly beaten by an inspired Stefanos Tsitsipas to deny him further glory.
But, Madrid proved to be the stumbling block for Sinner after such success, with the physical demands finally taking their toll.
His retirement just before playing the quarter-final made that his worst tournament performance of the season, and given his post-match comments we could be set to go on without him for some time now.
Whilst other players will be licking their lips now that the most in-form men’s tennis player in the world is out of action, for the spectator, to see such talent ruled out is always a blow.
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