Brad Gilbert: Darren Cahill learned Sinner’s withdrawal at the last minute
Gilbert says Cahill was informed on his way to Los Angeles airport that Sinner would not play; Sinner is sidelined since Wimbledon with a knee issue.
October 16, 2026 — Tennis commentator Brad Gilbert has relayed new details about how Darren Cahill learned that Jannik Sinner would miss the Cincinnati tournament, describing the timing as frustrating for Sinner’s camp.
Sinner has not played since Wimbledon as he manages a knee problem and ultimately decided to end his season early. The withdrawal from Cincinnati was a key moment in that decision.
Late notification to Cahill
Gilbert, a friend of Cahill’s, said Cahill was on his way to Los Angeles airport to catch a flight to Cincinnati when he received the call. Gilbert described how Cahill had been due to meet Sinner there but was instead told at the last minute that Sinner would not compete.
“In recent times I talk a lot with Darren. He told me that it all began when he was on his way to the Los Angeles airport to catch a flight for Cincinnati. He was supposed to meet Jannik there, but at the last moment he received a phone call in which he was told that he would not compete. Since then he has been waiting for news and that is very frustrating,” Gilbert said.
Sinner has been recovering between Monte Carlo and Milan as he tries to avoid surgery and a longer layoff. The premature end of his season cost him the world No. 1 ranking, which he will hand to Alexander Zverev on November 2, 2026.
Photo: US Open Tennis (X)
