World No 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Masters due to a virus.
The Italian star was due to face either Ben Shelton or Corentin Moutet in his opening match, but his place in the draw has been taken by lucky loser Arthur Cazaux.
Sinner is suffering from “an intestinal virus contracted before his arrival in Paris”, journalist Quentin Moynet reported on X.
In a video shared by the Paris Masters on social media, Sinner said: “Hello guys, Jannik here. I’m very disappointed to tell you that I’m not able to play this tournament.
“I came very early here to prepare and I felt sick. I’m having a virus at the moment, which is gonna pass the next two, three days. So, body-wise I’m not ready to compete.
“Very, very sorry for that, but see you guys all next year and hopefully it’s gonna be a great year this year also without me. And hopefully also next year.”
Sinner made his last ATP Tour appearance at the Shanghai Masters, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final earlier this month. He then won the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
The 23-year-old has won seven titles so far in an outstanding 2024 season, including two Grand Slams and three Masters 1000 events.
He was seeking a maiden Paris Masters crown, having won just one match across his three previous appearances at the tournament.
Sinner reached the third round of the Masters 1000 event in 2023 before he pulled out ahead of his match with Alex de Minaur due to fatigue.
The world No 1 will next compete at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, which will run from November 10 to 17. Sinner was a runner-up at the 2023 edition of the year-end championships, losing to Djokovic in the final.
Following the ATP Finals, Sinner is due to compete for Italy at the Davis Cup Finals knockout stage, which will be held in Malaga between November 19 and 24.
Italy are the defending Davis Cup champions as Sinner led his nation to a second-ever title in the team competition — and first since 1976 — last year.
Sinner also missed the 2024 Paris Olympics in August due to illness, while a hip injury cut short his Madrid Open campaign and forced him out of the Italian Open.
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