Jannik Sinner, who currently holds 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, which has been troubling him for several months, is still not at a level where he feels comfortable competing. The injury also forced him to sit out the US Open, marking a significant interruption in an otherwise stellar season.
Since clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon championship in July, Sinner has not stepped onto the court for a match. The period of inactivity began shortly after his triumph on the grass courts of Wimbledon, and since then he has missed a string of important hard‑court events that serve as preparation for the season’s final stretch.
He skipped the Canadian Open entirely and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters, both of which are considered key warm‑up tournaments for the US Open. His absence from the US Open itself was a major blow to both fans and the tournament organizers, as the world number one was a marquee attraction.
In a brief statement posted to his social media platforms, Sinner expressed his disappointment and offered an apology to fans and the tournament organizers. "I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year," he wrote.
"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." He went on to reflect on his connection with the event and its supporters, saying, "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 to withdraw carries significant implications for the ATP rankings race.
Last year he captured the China Open crown by beating American teenager Learner Tien in straight sets in the final, adding a second China Open title to his résumé after his earlier victory in 2023. By missing the event, Sinner forfeits the chance to earn valuable points that could help him maintain his lead at the top of the rankings. At present, Germany’s Alexander Zverev is leading the live ATP Race with 8,650 points, while Sinner sits in second place with 7,950 points. The gap could widen further if Zverev adds the 500 points awarded to the champion in Beijing, especially given Sinner’s inability to compete.
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 The Italian’s absence also reshapes the narrative for the tournament itself.
With Sinner out, the spotlight shifts to other high‑profile players, most notably Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, is returning to Beijing after an 11‑year hiatus. Djokovic is eager to regain momentum after an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped his ranking to world No. 12.
Historically, he has enjoyed a flawless record at the China Open, having captured six titles there, the most in the event’s history. The men’s draw for the China Open is scheduled to run from September 30 through October 6, and the tournament will continue to be broadcast live on various platforms, including Sky Sports Tennis and the NOW streaming service. Fans can also follow the action via the Sky Sports app, which offers live coverage without a long‑term contract. Looking ahead, Sinner hopes to recover in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7.
That event will be another opportunity for him to collect points and re‑establish his position at the top of the rankings, provided his knee improves sufficiently. In the meantime, the tennis community will be watching his rehabilitation closely, hoping that the Italian star can return to his usual high‑level performance soon. In summary, Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the China Open underscores the challenges athletes face when dealing with injuries, especially when those injuries coincide with crucial phases of the season. While his fans are understandably disappointed, the decision reflects a prudent approach to his long‑term health and career longevity.
The tournament will proceed without its defending champion, offering other contenders a chance to shine, and the ATP rankings will continue to evolve as the season draws to a close.