The US Open is rapidly approaching, with many ATP and WTA players using the Cincinnati Open to prepare for the Grand Slam.
The Cincinnati Open is now well underway, with ATP top two Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both in action at the tournament.
High-profile stars Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are also taking on the tournament in a bid to fine-tune their games for Flushing Meadows.
Sinner and Alcaraz withdrew from the Canadian Open after Wimbledon, but have now returned to the court as the US Open nears.
Their fellow ATP star Novak Djokovic did, however, withdraw from the event, with Jack Draper withdrawing from Cincinnati and Toronto.
Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty ImagesATP top 20 player suggests he’s playing the US Open despite Cincinnati retirement
One player who took on both tournaments was Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but he was frustratingly forced to retire during both events.
The world number 18 has now issued an update on his current status, accompanying a status on X with a strong suggestion that he’ll be fine for the US Open.
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He wrote: “It’s never easy to retire from two tournaments in a row, this year I’ve played a lot of matches and always given my 100%.
“Not taking time off or skipping weeks has caught up with me. I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t have any pain or cramps, I simply didn’t have enough time to recover energy-wise from everything accumulated.
“Now, after many months, I’m enjoying some rest and recharging alongside my wife. I’ll come back stronger and ready to fight again.”
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina ATP career finals record
Joao Fonseca commiserated with Fokina after the latter retired hurt during their opener in Cincinnati, with the Spaniard having also planned to play doubles with Flavio Cobolli.
The withdrawal came after he retired against Andrey Rublev in their Canadian Open round of 16 tie, after Fokina had knocked out Corentin Moutet and Jakub Mensik.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Fortunately, it is simply a matter of fatigue for the 26-year-old ahead of the US Open, as opposed to any injury worry.
He currently occupies a career-high ranking of 18 in the world, and remains in pursuit of a maiden ATP Tour title.
Acapulco (Outdoor/Hard)
Delray Beach (Outdoor/Hard)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina ATP finals record
The Spaniard has, however, managed to reach four finals during his impressive career so far, including three this season alone.
Such form suggests a debut win will arrive sooner rather than later, with Fokina set to boost his chances of success by making the admirable decision to scale back right before the US Open.