Top-ranked Jannik Sinner (virus) pulls out of Paris Masters

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy has withdrawn from the Paris Masters due to a virus.

"It's a very tough announcement," Sinner said Tuesday. "I'm not going to play here in Paris. We came here very early to prepare in the best possible way. After the first practice session, I really didn't (feel) good. I also talked with the doctor on Sunday, it's a virus, what makes you feel better in three or four days.

"Today I feel better already a little bit, but the body is not ready to compete and I still feel very, very weak. It doesn't make sense to go on court and try to compete for this tournament. (I am very) disappointed because it's a tournament where I would like to see where my level is at. That was one of my main goals for this week. But unfortunately, I cannot make this happen."

Sinner, 23, already has clinched the ATP top ranking for the year. He joins seven-time champion Novak Djokovic as high-profile players to withdraw from the final Masters 1000 event of the year.

Sinner has won two Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, U.S. Open) and three Masters 1000 tournaments (Miami, Cincinnati, Shanghai) this season.

Arthur Cazaux received a lucky loser spot and will face either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or Ben Shelton in the second round.

--Field Level Media