Jannik Sinner, who currently sits atop 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 the injury that also forced him to sit out the US Open. This marks another missed event in a string of absences that have kept Sinner off the court since his triumphant run at Wimbledon in July, where he secured his second consecutive title.
Since that Wimbledon victory, Sinner has not played a single match. He opted out of the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters—both crucial warm‑up tournaments on hard courts—before ultimately pulling out of the US Open. In a heartfelt post on social media, he 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." Sinner added that what he misses most is the atmosphere of the tournament, the fans, and the overall experience.
He recalled his successful title defense in Beijing last year, when he beat American Learner Tien in straight sets to claim his second China Open crown. "I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I’m very happy to come back next year," he wrote, wishing the event a great run and promising to return to the court soon. The Italian’s withdrawal has significant implications for the race to finish the season as the year‑end world No. 1.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev is already leading the live ATP points race and stands to gain an additional 500 points by competing 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 Sinner will be hoping to regain full fitness in time for the Shanghai Masters, which kicks off on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. His absence from the China Open also shifts the spotlight to other marquee players, most notably Novak Djokovic. The 24‑time Grand Slam champion will be one of the headline attractions at the ATP 500 event, returning to Beijing after an eleven‑year hiatus.
Djokovic is looking to rebuild momentum after a surprising first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped his ranking to world No. 12.
He boasts an immaculate record in Beijing, having captured a tournament‑best six titles there. The men’s draw for the China Open runs from September 30 to 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 continues to be a key stop on the Asian swing of the ATP calendar, offering valuable points and prize money ahead of the season‑ending events. Sinner’s decision to sit out reflects a broader trend among top players prioritizing long‑term health over short‑term gains.
Knee injuries, in particular, have plagued several elite athletes in recent years, prompting more cautious scheduling and extended recovery periods. While his fans are understandably disappointed, the consensus among coaches and medical professionals is that a full recovery will ultimately benefit both Sinner’s career longevity and his ability to compete at the highest level. Looking ahead, Sinner’s schedule will likely include a focused rehabilitation program, followed by a gradual re‑entry into competition, possibly beginning with lower‑intensity events before tackling the high‑stakes Masters tournaments. The ATP’s calendar provides ample opportunities for players to regain form, and Sinner’s proven resilience suggests he could return stronger once his knee is fully healed.
In summary, Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the China Open underscores the challenges athletes face when dealing with injuries, especially when those injuries coincide with critical phases of the season. While his absence opens doors for rivals like Zverev and adds intrigue to Djokovic’s Beijing campaign, the tennis world will be eagerly awaiting Sinner’s comeback, hopeful that he will soon be back defending his titles and contending for the year‑end No. 1 ranking.