The Madrid Masters lost a third major drawcard in 24 hours on Wednesday, with world No. 2 Jannik Sinner forced to withdraw with hip pain.
The pullout of Italy’s Australian Open winner came only hours after two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz was defeated 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 by Andrey Rublev.
On Tuesday night, Czech Jiri Lehecka beat Rafael Nadal to end the clay icon’s Madrid career with retirement this season almost a certainty.
Sinner, winner of three titles this season, had dropped hints in recent days that he might not be fit enough to continue in the tournament after reaching the quarter-finals to face Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday.
“Very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid,” Sinner posted on social media.
“My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful.
“Taking the advice from the doctors we decided it’s best to not play further and make it worse.”
Sinner stands 28-2 on the season and will need to find fitness fast with the Rome Masters starting in a week with Roland Garros to follow.
