Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he will not take part in the upcoming Rolex Shanghai Masters, citing ongoing issues with his knee as the primary reason for his absence. The decision comes just days after the 27‑year‑old announced that he would sit out the China Open in Beijing, a tournament he had won the previous year, and after he had already missed the US Open earlier in the season due to the same lingering injury. Sinner's withdrawal marks the second consecutive event he has missed since his successful defense of the Wimbledon title against Alexander Zverev in July. The Italian champion has not competed in any professional match since that Wimbledon final, and his medical team has been closely monitoring his recovery.
In a statement posted to his Instagram account, Sinner expressed his disappointment, writing, "I always enjoy playing in front of the Shanghai fans and I'm very sorry that I won't be able to do so next week. Thank you for all your support.
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next year!" The Shanghai Masters, which is scheduled to begin on October 7 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, is one of the premier ATP 1000 events on the calendar. It attracts the sport's biggest names and offers a substantial haul of ranking points. Sinner's absence is a significant blow to the tournament's draw, as he entered the season as the world number one and a fan favourite.
His decision to pull out was made after he publicly admitted last week that he was "not ready to compete" in Beijing, acknowledging that his knee had not yet returned to a condition that would allow him to perform at the highest level. The ramifications of Sinner's injury extend beyond a single tournament. The Italian's quest to finish the 2026 season as the year‑end world number one has been seriously jeopardised.
With several weeks of high‑profile competition now out of reach, he will miss out on the valuable points that could have solidified his top‑ranking status. Meanwhile, his chief rival Alexander Zverev has capitalised on Sinner's inactivity.
Zverev now leads the Race to Turin Rankings, sitting roughly 800 points ahead of Sinner. The German, who also boasts a strong record on hard courts, is poised to benefit from the additional points available at Shanghai. Other top players are set to compete in Shanghai, including Zverev, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, and American Ben Shelton, all of whom currently occupy positions within the top eight of the Race to Turin. Their participation ensures that the tournament will remain highly competitive, but the field will undeniably feel the absence of the reigning world number one.
Sinner's injury saga began earlier in the year when he withdrew from the US Open after experiencing discomfort during the lead‑up events. The knee problem, which appears to be a recurring issue rather than a one‑off strain, has forced him to adopt a cautious approach to his schedule. While he has been diligent in his rehabilitation, the demands of the ATP tour—particularly the rapid succession of back‑to‑back tournaments on hard courts—have made a full recovery challenging.
Medical experts suggest that knee injuries in tennis players often require a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual re‑introduction to match play. For a player of Sinner's calibre, who relies heavily on explosive movement, quick changes of direction, and a powerful baseline game, even a minor setback can have a disproportionate impact on performance. Consequently, his team has opted to prioritise long‑term health over short‑term gains, a decision that, while disappointing for fans, is likely the wisest course for his career longevity. Fans who were hoping to see Sinner in Shanghai can still enjoy a robust lineup of matches across the ATP and WTA tours.
The event will also feature the ATP Japan Open and the WTA/ATP China Open, all of which will be streamed via the Sky Sports App and NOW platform without the need for a traditional contract. This accessibility ensures that tennis enthusiasts worldwide can follow the action live, even in the absence of one of the sport's brightest stars. Looking ahead, Sinner will aim to return to competition as soon as his knee permits, with the next likely target being the indoor hard‑court swing later in the season.
His management team has hinted at a possible comeback at a smaller event to test his fitness before re‑entering the larger ATP 1000 circuit. Until then, the tennis community will be watching closely, hoping for a swift and complete recovery for the young champion, whose talent and determination have already secured him a place among the game's elite.