This year, Sinner had a very untraditional schedule for the clay-court part of the season. Since the Italian player was suspended for three months at the start of the year, following his Australian Open win, he couldn't play at the vast majority of clay tournaments.
The three-time major winner missed the Monte-Carlo Masters, which he planned to skip anyway, and the Madrid Open. On top of that, he couldn't play in Munich, where he wanted to play, either.
Sinner was allowed to return to competition at the Italian Open in Rome, which is his home ATP Masters 1000 tournament. Unsure of how his first tournament back would go, the World No. 1 player also signed up for the Hamburg Open, which runs the week after, in the last week before the French Open.
The top favorites usually don't compete one week ahead of Grand Slams, but due to possible lack of match practice, Sinner was willing to alter his schedule to come well-prepared for the clay-court Slam.
However, since he reached the final at the Italian Open, Sinner now has all the sufficient match practice ahead of the Roland Garros, which means he doesn't need to play in Hamburg, announcing his withdrawal.
On top of that, even if Roland Garros wouldn't follow right after the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg, which runs from May 18th until 24th, the Italian would likely consider skipping it, as he has struggled with a health issue during his run in Rome.
Unfortunately for the tournament organizers, Sinner wasn't the only player who withdrew from the tournament. Holger Rune also announced his withdrawal, which means he will travel directly to Paris.
Lorenzo Musetti, who played in the Italian Open semi-final, was also supposed to play in Hamburg, but withdrew. Like in Sinner's case, Musetti's run in Rome likely contributed to his decision.
The other losing semi-finalist from the Italian Open, Tommy Paul, also withdrew from the Hamburg Open, and Hamad Medjedovic won't compete at the tournament either.
On the other hand, Alexander Zverev accepted a late wild card, which means he will delight the home crowd shortly ahead of the Roland Garros. The German player has yet to find his ideal form this year.
As for Sinner, the Italian player will now focus on his final match in Rome. He will take on his young rival Carlos Alcaraz, and like most of the fans, the World No. 1 player is excited for the matchup as well.
"We know each other quite well now. It's always special to share the court with him. I feel like we both know how to play against each other a little bit, so we have to be prepared tactically. Of course, small things are going to be changed. This, yes."
"But it's just a great test for me to see where I am. It's great for me to play against Carlos before the two Grand Slams. That for me is good because I see where I have to improve, what I have to do better. But yeah, hopefully it's going to be a good match."
"I feel like this is the most important part. Yeah, but in any case what's coming out Sunday, a great tournament from my side, making such a run here, it feels good."
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