Tournament organizers announced on Tuesday that world number one Jannik Sinner (23) will not participate in the Paris Masters indoor event due to health issues.

The 23-year-old tennis star, who secured his position as year-end world number one in mid-October, suffers from an “intestinal virus contracted before he arrived in Paris.” French player Arthur Cazaux has moved up from qualifying to take Sinner’s place in the tournament draw.

Cazaux will compete against either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round match on Tuesday.

Sinner now focuses on the upcoming Masters in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17, which will feature the year’s top eight players. The Italian champion plans to defend his country’s title at the Davis Cup finals the following week in Malaga, Spain.

This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus. I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not… pic.twitter.com/TjE1a3KZQu

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 29, 2024

The tennis star has dominated the 2024 season, claiming his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. His impressive performance includes seven tournament wins since the season began, with three Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over Sinner’s achievements, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal that could result in his suspension. The doping case emerged several weeks ago and remains unresolved.

Sinner’s relationship with the Paris indoor tournament has proven complicated. Last year, he withdrew from the competition before his second match, establishing a pattern that continues with this year’s withdrawal.

This latest setback interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable year for the young Italian player, who has firmly established himself among tennis’s elite competitors through his consistent performances and major tournament victories.

Vinicius Junior, the 24-year-old Brazil and Real Madrid forward addressed his second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting on Monday. Sources close to the player revealed to Reuters that he plans to continue his fight against racism, regardless of how it might affect his chances of winning awards.

After finishing behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Vinicius shared his thoughts on social media platform X. “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” he posted, following Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Paris ceremony in anticipation of the Brazilian not winning the men’s award.

Vinicius Junior has reacted after finishing second in the vote for the Men’s #BallondOr. 🥶

Will he go on to clinch the award in 2025? ⏳ pic.twitter.com/Iz3pGP0PgK

— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) October 28, 2024

His management team clarified to Reuters that the post referenced his anti-racism stance. They believe this activism cost him the award, stating that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”

Spanish authorities have convicted at least two individuals for racially abusing the Brazil international. This marked groundbreaking legal cases in the country.

Real Madrid celebrated other victories at the ceremony. The club won the Men’s Club of the Year award. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti received the Men’s Coach of the Year honour. This was after leading the team to European and Spanish league victories in a near-perfect season.

France Football, the award’s organizing body, has not responded to requests for comment. A panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries determines the award winners through their votes.