World No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s China Open, citing that his knee is still not at a level that would allow him to compete safely.
The Italian star, who has been sidelined since his second consecutive Wimbledon triumph in July, is still in the rehabilitation phase after the same injury forced him to miss the US Open earlier in the season. Since his victory at Wimbledon, Sinner has not stepped onto a court for a competitive match. He opted out of the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters, two important hard‑court preparation events that many players use to fine‑tune their games ahead of the US swing.
The injury then kept him out of the US Open, where he had been a favorite to go deep into the draw. In a brief statement posted to 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 decision is a blow not only to the event’s promotional material but also to his own aspirations for the season.
Last year he captured the Beijing title by beating American Learner Tien in straight sets in the final, adding a second China Open crown to his resume after his earlier triumph in 2023. The withdrawal diminishes his chances of finishing the year as the ATP’s top‑ranked player. Currently, Germany’s Alexander Zverev leads the Live ATP Race with 8,650 points, while Sinner sits in second place with 7,950 points. Zverev could further extend his lead by earning an additional 500 points in Beijing, a scenario that would make Sinner’s path back to the No.
1 spot even more challenging. The ATP rankings after the withdrawal look 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 will now focus on a recovery timeline that targets a return at the Shanghai Masters, which is scheduled to begin on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. A successful comeback in Shanghai could provide a vital boost in points and confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. In Sinner’s absence, the spotlight at the ATP 500 event will shift to other marquee names, most notably Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian legend, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, is set to make his return to Beijing after an eleven‑year hiatus. Djokovic is looking to regain momentum after an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open that saw his ranking tumble to world No.
12. Historically, Djokovic has enjoyed a flawless record at the China Open, having captured six titles – the most in the tournament’s history – and he will be eager to add another trophy to his collection. The men’s draw for the China Open runs from September 30 through October 6, offering fans a week of high‑quality tennis despite the notable absence of the defending champion. Viewers can stream matches on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, and the event will also be available on traditional television via Sky Sports.
For those interested in other tennis spectacles, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. Sinner’s decision underscores the physical toll that a demanding season can exact on even the most resilient athletes.
Knee injuries, especially those involving ligament strain or meniscus issues, often require a careful balance of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual re‑introduction to match play. Medical staff typically advise against rushing back, as premature returns can exacerbate the problem and lead to longer periods away from competition. Looking ahead, Sinner’s team will likely monitor his progress through a series of rehabilitation milestones, including strength training, low‑impact cardio, and on‑court drills once the joint regains sufficient stability. The goal is to ensure that when he does step back onto the professional circuit, he can perform at the high level that has made him the world’s top player.
In the broader context of the ATP Tour, Sinner’s withdrawal is a reminder of how injuries can reshape the competitive landscape. While Zverev and other contenders stand to benefit from the points that Sinner is unable to defend, the sport also loses a compelling storyline – the young Italian’s rapid ascent and his battle to stay at the summit of men’s tennis.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly Sinner can return to form. If he manages a successful comeback at Shanghai, he could still finish the season strongly and set the stage for another push at the year‑end championships. Until then, the tennis world will continue to wish him a swift and full recovery, hoping that the next time he steps onto a hard court, his knee will be fully ready to support his world‑class talent.