Jannik Sinner, who currently occupies the top spot in the ATP rankings, has announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s China Open. The Italian star explained that his knee has not yet returned to a condition that would allow him to compete safely, and he needs additional time to complete his rehabilitation. This withdrawal follows a string of absences that began earlier in the season when the same injury forced him to miss the US Open, a Grand Slam event where he was expected to be a serious contender.
Since clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon championship in July, Sinner has not stepped onto a court for a competitive match. The injury that surfaced during the latter stages of the grass‑court swing forced him to skip the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters, two pivotal hard‑court events that serve as preparation for the US Open.
After pulling out of those tournaments, he also withdrew from the US Open itself, a decision that shocked fans and analysts alike given his recent form and his status as a rising favorite for major titles. In a brief statement posted to his social media channels, Sinner expressed regret and disappointment: "I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to play in Beijing this year. My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I am not ready to compete yet, but I will do everything possible to be back on court as soon as I can.
What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere. I have had a great time in the past, including winning the title last year, and I am very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I am very happy to come back next year.
So I wish everyone a very good tournament, and I’ll see you all very soon on court again." This heartfelt message highlighted both his affection for the event and his frustration at being forced to sit out. Sinner’s victory in Beijing the previous year was a memorable one.
He defeated American youngster Learner Tien in straight sets in the final, securing his second China Open crown after having already triumphed there in 2023. The title added valuable points to his ranking and reinforced his reputation as a versatile player capable of winning on multiple surfaces. The decision to withdraw has broader implications for the race to finish the season as world number one.
At present, Germany’s Alexander Zverev leads the live ATP Race with 8,650 points, while Sinner sits in second place with 7,950 points. Zverev stands to gain an additional 500 points by competing in Beijing, potentially widening the gap further.
The current top five in the race are: 1. Alexander Zverev – 8,650 points 2.
Jannik Sinner – 7,950 points 3. Ben Shelton – 4,430 points 4. Carlos Alcaraz – 4,050 points 5.
Flavio Cobolli – 3,530 points Sinner’s absence also reshapes the narrative of the tournament itself. With the world number one out, the spotlight shifts to other marquee names, most notably Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, is returning to the China Open after an 11‑year hiatus.
Djokovic is eager to regain momentum after a surprising first‑round defeat at the US Open, which saw his ranking slip to world No. 12. Beijing has historically been a stronghold for Djokovic; he holds a perfect record at the event and has amassed six titles, the most by any player in the tournament’s history. The men’s draw for the China Open will run from September 30 through October 6, offering a week of high‑stakes ATP 500 action.
Fans can follow the matches via live streams on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Tennis. The tournament also serves as a preparatory step for the Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7. Players who remain healthy will aim to carry their form into Shanghai, a Masters 1000 event that offers a substantial points haul and further opportunities to influence the year‑end rankings. While Sinner’s knee continues to heal, his team has emphasized a cautious approach.
The Italian has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks, as evidenced by his rapid ascent to the top of the rankings and his back‑to‑back Wimbledon victories. Medical staff are focusing on strengthening the joint, improving stability, and ensuring that he returns to competition without risking a recurrence of the injury. Such a methodical rehabilitation plan is designed to protect his long‑term career prospects, especially as he approaches the prime years of his professional life. In summary, Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the China Open is a significant development for both the player and the tournament.
It underscores the ongoing challenges he faces with his knee, highlights the shifting dynamics of the ATP Race for the year‑end No. 1 spot, and opens the door for other stars—particularly Novak Djokovic—to capture the spotlight in Beijing. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely to see when Sinner can make his return, with hopes that he will reappear at the Shanghai Masters in early October, fully recovered and ready to contend for further titles.