Jannik Sinner, who currently sits atop 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 is still not at the level required for competition, as he continues to rehabilitate from the injury that also forced him to miss the US Open earlier in the season.
Since clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon championship in July, Sinner has not stepped onto a court for an official match. The injury‑laden stretch began with his decision to skip the Canadian Open, followed by a withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters—both crucial hard‑court preparation events—before ultimately pulling out of the US Open. His absence has been felt across the tour, as fans and fellow players alike have been eager to see the young champion back in action. In a brief statement posted on his social media platforms, Sinner expressed his disappointment: "I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year.
My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I’m 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’ve had a great time in the past, including winning the title last year, and I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I’m 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." Sinner’s decision is especially poignant because he entered the Beijing final as the defending champion, having beaten American Learner Tien in straight sets to secure his second China Open crown after an earlier triumph in 2023.
His withdrawal not only deprives the event of a marquee name but also has significant implications for the race to finish the season as world number one. At present, Germany’s Alexander Zverev leads the live ATP points race with 8,650 points, while Sinner sits in second place with 7,950 points.
Should Zverev add the 500 points available in Beijing, Sinner’s chances of reclaiming the top spot could be further diminished. The current top five in the ATP rankings 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 Beyond the immediate impact on the rankings, Sinner’s absence opens the door for other stars to shine at the ATP 500 event. Novak Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, will be one of the headline attractions in Beijing. The Serbian veteran is returning to the city after an eleven‑year hiatus, aiming to regain momentum following a surprising first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped him to world No. 12.
Djokovic boasts an immaculate record at the China Open, having captured six titles—the most in tournament history—so his participation adds a compelling narrative for spectators. The men’s draw for the China Open is scheduled to run from September 30 through October 6.
While Sinner recovers, attention will shift to the upcoming Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. The Italian hopes to be fit for that event, as it offers a chance to earn valuable points and re‑establish his form before the season concludes. In summary, Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal underscores the physical challenges that even the sport’s brightest talents must navigate. His commitment to a full recovery reflects a long‑term perspective, prioritising health over short‑term gains.
Fans can look forward to seeing him back on the court later in the autumn, and the ATP calendar will continue to deliver high‑stakes drama as the race for year‑end rankings intensifies.