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 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 a match. The injury has kept him away from several key hard‑court events that serve as preparation for the season’s final swing. He opted out of the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters—both important tune‑up tournaments—before ultimately pulling out of the US Open, where he had been a favorite to go deep. 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 prospect Learner Tien in straight sets in the final. That victory added to his impressive resume, which already included back‑to‑back Wimbledon titles and a growing list of Masters 1000 and ATP 500 triumphs.
His withdrawal has significant implications for the race to finish the year as world No. 1.
Alexander Zverev of Germany is currently leading the live ATP points race and stands to gain an additional 500 points by competing in Beijing, further extending his advantage over Sinner. 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 If Sinner remains sidelined, Zverev’s position could become even more secure, making it harder for the Italian to reclaim the top spot before the season concludes. Looking ahead, Sinner hopes to recover in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.
The Shanghai event is one of the final high‑profile tournaments of the calendar year and offers a substantial points haul that could be pivotal for the year‑end rankings. Sinner’s absence also reshapes the narrative for the ATP 500 China Open.
With the world No. 1 out, the tournament’s headline attraction shifts to Novak Djokovic, the 24‑time Grand Slam champion who is returning to Beijing after an 11‑year hiatus. Djokovic is eager to regain momentum following an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open, which saw his ranking slip to world No. 12.
Historically, he has dominated the China Open, boasting a perfect record and six titles—the most in the event’s history. The men’s draw at the China Open runs from September 30 through October 6, and fans can follow the action via various streaming platforms, including NOW, the Sky Sports app, and traditional broadcast on Sky Sports. The tournament promises high‑quality tennis despite Sinner’s withdrawal, with a field that still includes several top‑ranked players vying for valuable points and prize money.
In summary, while Jannik Sinner’s knee continues to demand careful management, his decision to sit out the China Open reflects a prudent approach to long‑term health and performance. The Italian will aim to return to competition as soon as his body permits, with the Shanghai Masters serving as his next target. Meanwhile, the ATP calendar remains packed with opportunities for his rivals, particularly Zverev and Djokovic, to make significant gains in the race for the year‑end No. 1 ranking.