Defending US Open champion Jannik Sinner’s fitness is a major concern heading into the tournament after a recent illness.
Forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final while trailing Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner’s health has been the subject of much debate.
Roger Federer’s former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, stated that while a quick recovery would cause no issues, a week-long rest could make it “difficult to regain the form needed to win a Slam.”
Despite Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, providing a positive update on his return to practice, the demanding nature of the US Open and its intense conditions could pose a significant challenge.
Ljubicic also dismissed claims that Sinner is “fragile,” calling his recent health setbacks “unrelated cases” and bad luck.
He still sees Sinner and Alcaraz as the clear favorites for the title, noting that they are “certainly clearly ahead of everyone else,” but believes Sinner’s health remains the key question mark.
