Jannik Sinner, who currently sits at the top of 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 professional court. 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 to his social media channels, 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." Last season, Sinner captured his second China Open crown by defeating American youngster Learner Tien in straight sets in the Beijing final.
That victory added to his impressive résumé, which already includes back‑to‑back Wimbledon titles and a steady climb to the world No. 1 spot. His withdrawal from the Beijing event not only deprives the tournament of a defending champion but also has broader implications for the race to finish the year atop the ATP rankings. At present, Germany’s Alexander Zverev leads the Live ATP Race with 8,650 points, while Sinner trails with 7,950 points.
Should Zverev add the 500 points available for a deep run in Beijing, the gap could widen further, making Sinner’s quest for the year‑end No. 1 title more challenging. 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 will be hoping to regain full fitness in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. A successful comeback at Shanghai could provide a vital boost to his ranking points and confidence heading into the season‑ending events.
With Sinner out of the Beijing draw, the spotlight shifts to other marquee names, most notably Novak Djokovic. The 24‑time Grand Slam champion is set to return to the ATP 500 tournament after an eleven‑year hiatus. Djokovic is looking to rebuild momentum after an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open that saw his ranking slip to world No. 12.
Historically, the Serbian has enjoyed a flawless record in Beijing, having amassed six titles—the most in the tournament’s history. The men’s competition at the China Open runs from September 30 through October 6, offering fans a week of high‑stakes tennis despite the absence of the current world leader. Broadcast options include streaming on NOW, the Sky Sports app, and traditional television coverage via Sky Sports.
Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup live at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports. Sinner’s decision to prioritize his health underscores a growing awareness among top athletes about the long‑term consequences of playing through injuries. While his withdrawal is a setback for the Beijing event and the ATP ranking race, it also serves as a reminder that even the most dominant players must sometimes step back to preserve their bodies for future success. Fans can look forward to his return later in the season, and the tennis world will be watching closely to see how his recovery progresses and what impact it will have on the remaining tournaments on the calendar.