Jannik Sinner, the current world number one in men's tennis, has announced that he will not be participating 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 the injury that also forced him to miss the US Open earlier in the season.
Since clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon crown in July, Sinner has not taken to the court for a single match. He chose to sit out the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters, both of which are important hard‑court preparation events ahead of the US Open. After those decisions, he also pulled out of the US Open itself, citing the same lingering knee problem.
In a post on his social media accounts, 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 absence is particularly notable because he entered the Beijing final as the defending champion after beating American Learner Tien in straight sets to capture his second China Open crown last year, adding to his triumph in 2023. His withdrawal not only removes a marquee name from the event but also complicates his quest to finish the season as the ATP year‑end No.
1. 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. If Zverev adds the 500 points available in Beijing, the gap could widen further, jeopardizing Sinner’s chances of reclaiming the top spot. The current ATP rankings are as follows: 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 hopes to recover fully in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. A return at that level would give him a chance to earn valuable points and re‑establish his momentum before the season concludes. With Sinner out, the spotlight at the ATP 500 China Open shifts to other big names, most prominently Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian legend, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, will be back in Beijing after an 11‑year hiatus, aiming to rebuild his confidence after a shocking first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped his ranking to world No. 12.
Djokovic boasts an impeccable record at the China Open, having won the tournament a record six times, and will be eager to add another title to his impressive résumé. The men’s draw for the China Open runs from September 30 through October 6, offering fans a week of high‑stakes matches despite the absence of the defending champion. Viewers can stream the action via NOW, the Sky Sports app, or traditional broadcast channels, and they can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27 on Sky Sports.
Sinner’s decision underscores the physical toll that a demanding season can exact on even the most elite athletes. After a grueling campaign that included back‑to‑back Wimbledon victories, a deep run at the US Open, and multiple hard‑court events, his body is signaling the need for a strategic pause. The Italian has been careful to prioritize long‑term health over short‑term gains, a choice that many analysts view as wise given the potential for chronic knee issues to derail a career.
Looking ahead, the tennis community will be watching closely to see how quickly Sinner can return to form. If he manages to compete at Shanghai and perhaps the following season’s Australian swing, he could still mount a strong challenge for the year‑end No. 1 ranking. Until then, his fans will have to settle for updates from his rehabilitation progress and hope that his next appearance on court will be as spectacular as his recent Wimbledon triumphs.
In the meantime, the China Open promises to deliver exciting tennis, with Zverev likely aiming to capitalize on the points on offer, and Djokovic seeking to reaffirm his dominance on the Asian hard courts. Both players, along with a field of hungry up‑and‑comers, will vie for the title, ensuring that the tournament remains a highlight on the ATP calendar despite the notable absence of the world’s top‑ranked player.