Jannik Sinner is facing a race against time to be fit for the US Open after withdrawing from the mixed doubles competition.
It has been claimed that while he might only need a few days to recover from his illness, a worst-case scenario could see him miss the singles tournament as well.
Steven Buchwald, health expert at Manhattan Mental Health, told Express Sport: “Athlete withdrawals often signal a combination of physical and psychological stress.
“In Sinner’s case, subtle body language cues like slowed footwork, shallow breathing, head tilts, and brief pauses between points may have indicated his body was under strain.
“Psychological stress can amplify fatigue, affecting coordination and decision-making. Recovery timelines for acute illness vary.
“Mild viral infections may resolve in three to five days, while more serious illnesses may take one to two weeks or longer.”