Jannik Sinner has revealed that he is battling a hip injury at this year's Madrid Open and has hinted that he could withdraw from his fourth-round match on Tuesday.
The Italian appeared on course for a dominant win after securing the first set of his third-round match against Pavel Kotov 6-2 in 34 minutes. Despite breaking the Russian four times in the first set, Sinner did not look particularly comfortable on his own serve.
Kotov was successful in breaking Sinner's delivery twice in the first set and garnered the first break of the second set to take a shock 2-1 lead. The World No. 72 consolidated his advantage until 5-3. He had a look at a set point to level the match before Sinner wiped it off.
Kotov, however, had the chance to serve for the second set, only to be foiled by Sinner's aggressive ball striking. The top seed finished the match on a high note, winning four straight games from 3-5 down to ease into the fourth round.
Midway through the second set, Sinner gestured towards his coaching team, saying that he was playing through a pain barrier. The Italian confirmed this after the match when he spoke during the on-court interview.
"I’ve struggled now a little bit in the last period with my right hip. We’re trying to find a solution. I don’t think it’s anything serious. But I can feel it. Sometimes, I feel it more like today. Some days are a little better."
It will be a quick turnaround for the Australian Open champion, who will be back on the court in less than 24 hours to face 16th seed Karen Khachanov in the round of 16. Sinner stated that he is working with his coaching team and physio to determine the best course of action.
"Let’s see. I have a good team behind me. We’ll try to get my body going for tomorrow. We’ll decide tomorrow what’s best for me and best for the body. I’m looking forward to it, it’s gonna be a tough match."