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 that would allow him to compete safely and effectively. Consequently, he has decided to sit out the tournament in Beijing and focus on completing his rehabilitation. The decision comes after a lengthy period away from competitive play.
Sinner’s last match was the final of Wimbledon in early July, where he secured his second consecutive title on grass. Since that triumph, he has not appeared in any official event, as the lingering effects of a knee injury forced him to miss several key hard‑court tournaments, including the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, and ultimately led to his withdrawal from the US Open as well. 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." Sinner’s absence is particularly notable because he captured the Beijing title in 2023, defeating American Learner Tien in straight sets in the final. That victory marked his second China Open crown, following his earlier triumph in 2022, and solidified his reputation as a dominant force on the ATP Tour. The inability to defend his title this year not only disappoints fans but also has significant implications for the race to finish the season as world number one.
At present, Germany’s Alexander Zverev leads the live ATP points race with 8,650 points, while Sinner trails with 7,950. Should Zverev continue to perform well in Beijing, he could add another 500 points to his tally, further widening the gap. Other players in the top five include Ben Shelton (4,430 points), Carlos Alcaraz (4,050 points), and Flavio Cobolli (3,530 points).
The points differential underscores how crucial each tournament becomes in the final stretch of the season, especially with the year‑end championships looming. Looking ahead, Sinner hopes to regain full fitness in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7.
The Shanghai event, broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, offers another opportunity for the Italian to amass valuable points and re‑establish his momentum before the season concludes. Sinner’s withdrawal also reshapes the narrative surrounding the ATP 500 event in Beijing. With the world number one absent, the spotlight shifts to 24‑time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who will be one of the marquee attractions.
Djokovic is returning to the China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus, aiming to rebuild his form after a surprising first‑round loss at the US Open that saw his ranking slip to world No. 12.
The Serbian veteran boasts an impeccable record at the venue, having claimed six titles there – the most in tournament history – and will be eager to add another trophy to his collection. The men’s draw for the China Open runs from September 30 to October 6, promising a week of high‑stakes matches despite the notable absentee.
Fans can still enjoy live coverage via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, and the tournament will also be featured on traditional broadcast channels. In summary, Jannik Sinner’s decision to sit out the China Open reflects a prudent approach to his long‑term health, prioritizing a full recovery over short‑term competition.
While his withdrawal is a blow to the event’s star power and may affect his chances of ending the year as the top‑ranked player, it also opens the door for other contenders, such as Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic, to make decisive moves in the closing weeks of the ATP calendar. Sinner remains optimistic about returning to the court soon, with the Shanghai Masters serving as his next target for a comeback.