Jannik Sinner, who currently holds the top spot in the ATP rankings, announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s China Open. The Italian star explained that his knee has not yet recovered to a level that would allow him to compete safely, and he prefers to give his body the time it needs before stepping back onto the court. This decision follows a series of recent withdrawals that have already kept him out of several major hard‑court events.
Since clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon title in July, Sinner has not played a single match. The injury that forced him to miss the US Open also forced him to sit out the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, both of which are typically used by players to fine‑tune their games ahead of the season‑ending swing. 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." He went on to say that what he misses most is the atmosphere of the tournament, the enthusiastic fans, and the chance to defend the title he captured last season. "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," he added.
Last year Sinner triumphed over American Learner Tien in straight sets in the Beijing final, securing his second China Open crown after a victorious run in 2023. His absence this year removes a major contender from the draw and could have significant implications for the race to finish the season as world number one.
Alexander Zverev of Germany is already leading the live ATP points race and stands to gain an additional 500 points in Beijing while Sinner remains sidelined. The current top five in the ATP 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 five‑time Grand Slam champion hopes to recover in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.
In the meantime, Sinner’s withdrawal opens the door for other big names to become the focus of the ATP 500 event. Novak Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam winner, will be one of the headline attractions in Beijing.
The Serbian legend is returning after an 11‑year hiatus, aiming to regain momentum following a surprising first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped him to world No. 12. Djokovic enjoys an impeccable record at the China Open, having captured the tournament a record six times.
At 39 years old, he hopes to add another title to his impressive résumé and use the event as a springboard toward the season‑ending championships. The men’s draw for the China Open runs from September 30 to October 6, offering fans a week of high‑quality tennis despite the absence of the reigning champion.
Beyond the immediate impact on the tournament, Sinner’s ongoing knee problem raises broader questions about his schedule and long‑term health. The Italian has been praised for his rapid rise through the ranks, but the physical demands of the modern tour can be unforgiving.
Medical experts suggest that a cautious approach—allowing the ligament and surrounding muscles to fully rehabilitate—will likely extend his career and preserve his ability to compete at the highest level for years to come. Fans can still enjoy live coverage of the China Open and upcoming events through various platforms, including the Sky Sports App and NOW streaming service, which do not require a contract. For those in London, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 from September 25‑27, also available on Sky Sports, providing additional high‑profile tennis action while Sinner recuperates.
In summary, Jannik Sinner’s decision to skip the China Open underscores the seriousness of his knee injury and highlights the fine balance elite athletes must strike between ambition and health. While his withdrawal is a setback for the tournament and his own year‑end ranking aspirations, it also sets the stage for other top players—particularly Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic—to make their mark in Beijing. Sinner has promised a swift return, and supporters worldwide will be eagerly awaiting his comeback, hopeful that he will be back to full strength for the next phase of the ATP calendar.