Knee injury extends absence

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open in Beijing as he continues his recovery from right knee tendinopathy. The 25-year-old Italian announced the decision on Friday through a video posted on social media, confirming that he is not yet physically ready for match play. Sinner has been sidelined since 12 July 2026, when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final to capture his fifth career Grand Slam title. The withdrawal from Beijing is his fourth consecutive tournament pullout, following missed hard-court events at the Canadian Open in Montreal, the Cincinnati Open, and the US Open in New York.

“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.”

Team consultation and ranking pressure

The decision to withdraw followed consultations between Sinner and his coaching team, involving Simone Vagnozzi in Monte Carlo and Darren Cahill by telephone. Sinner had recently resumed training in Monte Carlo and undergone medical examinations and physical therapy in Milan and Turin, but his team opted for continued caution. The withdrawal prevents Sinner from defending his Beijing title, which he won in 2023 and again in 2025 against American Learner Tien. Missing the tournament results in an estimated financial loss of nearly €700,000 in prize and appearance money, while tightening the ATP ranking race where second-placed Alexander Zverev trails Sinner by 1,370 points.

Shanghai uncertainty and recovery timeline

Sinner discussed his condition during Milan Fashion Week, where he attended the Gucci runway show alongside Vogue editorial director Anna Wintour. The next tournament on the ATP calendar is the Shanghai Masters 1000, which begins on 7 October 2026, but his participation in that event remains doubtful. Team advisers note that the hot and humid conditions in Shanghai present physical risks after a three-month layoff, referencing the match in 2025 where Sinner suffered severe cramps against Tallon Griekspoor. An alternative target for his return is the European indoor swing, starting with the Vienna Open on 26 October 2026.

“Well, if I'm not ready for January, then it becomes a problem.”

The competitive field in Beijing

The men's main draw at the China Open runs from 30 September to 6 October 2026 at the National Tennis Center. With Sinner absent, Alexander Zverev enters the draw as the top-seeded player in the tournament bracket. The ATP 500 event also features 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who is making his first appearance in Beijing in 11 years. The 39-year-old Serbian, who dropped to world number 12 following a first-round exit at the US Open, holds a tournament record of six China Open titles without a match defeat.

Novak Djokovic6

Jannik Sinner2

Novak Djokovic

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Jannik Sinner

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