World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Paris Masters due to an "intestinal virus," according to tournament organizers. Sinner, who was poised to play a significant role in the indoor event, will be replaced in the draw by French player Arthur Cazaux, who advanced from qualifying. Cazaux will compete against either his fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round debut on Tuesday.
The Paris Masters holds special significance in the ATP calendar as one of the final tournaments of the year, setting the stage for the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. Sinner’s absence is particularly notable, as he secured the top spot in the ATP rankings in mid-October, ensuring his place as year-end number one for the first time in his career at just 23 years old. His accomplishments this season have been nothing short of remarkable, including his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open, along with seven titles, three of which were Masters 1000 wins in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.
Despite his impressive season, Sinner’s 2024 has not been without complications. In recent weeks, he has faced a potential doping-related suspension, following an appeal filed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This development has introduced a new layer of uncertainty around Sinner's participation in upcoming tournaments. His withdrawal from the Paris Masters, a tournament where he previously withdrew last year before his second match, adds to the challenges he has encountered in his career at this particular venue.
Sinner's main focus now is on the ATP Finals in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17. As the top-ranked player, he will be keen to perform well in front of his home crowd in Italy. Immediately following the ATP Finals, Sinner is also expected to join the Italian team in the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, where Italy is the defending champion. However, his recent health setback and ongoing doping case could cast a shadow over his end-of-year campaign.
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