By Rory Carroll

(Reuters) -Top-ranked Jannik Sinner arrives at the U.S. Open as the defending champion and a leading contender, though his withdrawal from the Cincinnati final on Monday due to illness adds a measure of uncertainty to his title defence.

The Italian looked off from the outset of his match against rival Carlos Alcaraz and, after quickly falling behind 5-0 in the first set, retired from the match, saying he “didn’t feel great” and apologising to the disappointed fans in Ohio.

Tennis World USA reported that Sinner was battling a high fever and flu symptoms the night before and during his match with Alcaraz.

Sinner also mentioned the punishing heat and humidity during his match against Alcaraz, calling it “one of the hottest tournaments we played”. He then announced that he

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