Jannik Sinner, who currently occupies the top spot in the ATP rankings, has announced that he will be absent from competitive tennis for the rest of the 2026 calendar year after a lingering knee injury forced him out of action following his triumph at Wimbledon. In a video posted to his social‑media channels, the 25‑year‑old Italian explained that, after consulting with his medical team, he has opted for an intensive treatment program aimed at fully restoring the health of his knee. \n\n"Me, together with the doctors, have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee, which means that the 2026 season is officially over," Sinner said in the recorded message.
He added that the past few years have gifted him with countless unforgettable moments on court, but that his priority now must be the long‑term sustainability of his career. "The last couple of years gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions, which this year is going to be way different, but I also need to think about my long‑term career so I will do everything possible to get back 100 per cent," he continued. \n\nThe statement was followed by a formal release from Sinner’s camp, which clarified that the decision was made on the advice of his medical staff to address inflammation in his knee. "The decision has been made to have the treatment now to give Jannik the necessary time to recover before beginning preparations for 2027," the team wrote.
"As a result, Jannik will be unable to compete again during the 2026 season." \n\nSinner’s season up to that point had been nothing short of spectacular. He entered Wimbledon as the defending champion and lived up to expectations by defeating Alexander Zverev in a hard‑fought final, thereby securing his fifth Grand Slam title. The victory capped a year in which he also lifted the Australian Open trophy in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the US Open in 2024.
Beyond the majors, Sinner amassed six ATP titles during 2026, triumphing at the prestigious Masters‑1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. His win‑loss record for the year stood at an impressive 44 victories out of 47 matches. \n\nThe only blemishes on an otherwise flawless record were a semi‑final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, an upset to Jakub Mensik in the quarter‑finals of the Doha tournament, and a surprising defeat to Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in the second round of the French Open, a match played under challenging, draining conditions.
After his Wimbledon success, the 25‑year‑old chose to skip the US Open and subsequently withdrew from his scheduled defense at the China Open, as well as from the upcoming Shanghai Masters. The cascade of withdrawals now extends to the Paris Masters, the season‑ending ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup Finals that will be hosted in Italy.
\n\nSinner’s premature exit from the tour raises the possibility that he could lose his world‑number‑one ranking before the calendar year concludes. Alexander Zverev, who currently sits second in the rankings with 9,720 points, is poised to overtake the top spot if Sinner does not return to collect further points. At present, Sinner holds 11,000 ranking points, a margin that could evaporate as the remaining tournaments award points to his rivals.
The current top five also includes Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev, all of whom stand to benefit from Sinner’s absence. \n\nIn his farewell message to fans, Sinner expressed gratitude and optimism: "I will thank you already in advance for your support and hope to see you very, very soon on court again. Ciao ciao!" He asked supporters to watch a video using the Chrome browser for the best viewing experience, underscoring his desire to stay connected even while off the court.
\n\nLooking ahead, the treatment plan will focus on reducing inflammation, rebuilding strength, and ensuring that the young champion returns to competition fully healed and ready to defend his titles in 2027. While the exact timeline for his comeback remains uncertain, Sinner’s commitment to a thorough rehabilitation suggests that he aims to resume play at the start of the next season, rather than risk a rushed return that could jeopardize his long‑term health. \n\nFor tennis enthusiasts eager to follow the sport while Sinner recovers, live streams are available on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering access to the remaining ATP events, Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup matches that will shape the rankings in the coming months.