World No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s China Open, explaining that his knee has not recovered sufficiently for him to compete at the level he expects of himself. The Italian star, who has been sidelined since his back‑to‑back Wimbledon victories in July, is still in the rehabilitation phase after the same injury forced him out of the US Open earlier in the season. Since his triumph at Wimbledon, Sinner has not logged a single match.
He chose to skip the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters – both crucial hard‑court preparation events – before ultimately pulling out of the US Open. The cumulative effect of these absences has left a noticeable gap in the ATP calendar, especially for fans hoping to see the reigning world number one in action.
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 add, “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 withdrawal is particularly poignant 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 first win in 2022, and solidified his reputation as a formidable hard‑court player. Without him in the draw, the tournament loses one of its marquee attractions, and the competitive landscape shifts dramatically.
The decision also has significant implications for the race to finish the season as the world No. 1. Alexander Zverev of Germany already leads the live ATP points race and stands to gain an additional 500 points by winning in Beijing, while Sinner remains sidelined.
Current standings show Zverev at 8,650 points, Sinner at 7,950, followed by Ben Shelton (4,430), Carlos Alcaraz (4,050) and Flavio Cobolli (3,530). Sinner’s absence therefore narrows his margin and places added pressure on him to perform strongly in the remaining events, such as the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. Beyond the points battle, Sinner’s non‑appearance opens the door for other big names to dominate the headlines.
Novak Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, will be one of the focal points of the ATP 500 event. The Serbian legend is returning to Beijing after an 11‑year hiatus, aiming to regain momentum following an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped him to world No.
12. Djokovic boasts a flawless record at the China Open, having amassed six titles – the most in the tournament’s history – and will be eager to add another trophy to his collection.
The men’s draw at the China Open is scheduled to run from September 30 through October 6. With Sinner out, the field becomes more open, giving rising stars and seasoned veterans alike a chance to make a deep run.
Fans can still enjoy high‑quality tennis, with live streaming options available on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, and the event will also be featured on Sky Sports television. Looking ahead, Sinner’s primary focus will be on a full recovery. He has indicated that his rehabilitation program is progressing, but he remains cautious about returning too quickly and risking further injury. The upcoming Shanghai Masters will be a crucial test of his fitness; a strong performance there could help him close the points gap with Zverev and re‑establish his position at the top of the rankings.
In the meantime, the tennis community wishes him a swift and complete healing process. As Sinner himself noted, his love for the sport and the support of his fans remain strong motivators, and he is determined to return to competition as soon as his body permits. Until then, the ATP tour will continue to showcase its depth of talent, with other top players stepping into the spotlight and delivering memorable matches for audiences worldwide.