Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open as he continues to recover from a knee injury, extending an absence that has already kept him out of the US Open. The world No. 1 said he is not ready to compete in Beijing and will focus on returning to the court when his condition allows.
Sinner announced that he would miss the Beijing tournament, apologising to organisers and fans and saying that his knee was not yet where he wanted it to be. He said he was not ready to compete and would do everything possible to return as soon as he could, but did not give a date for his comeback.
The withdrawal continues a run of missed events that began after Wimbledon. Sinner has not played since winning the title there in July. He also skipped the Canadian Open, withdrew from Cincinnati and then pulled out of the US Open because of the knee problem. His latest decision means he will not defend the China Open title he won last year.
At the 2025 Beijing final, Sinner beat American Learner Tien in straight sets to claim his second China Open crown, having also won the event in 2023. This year the men draw is scheduled for September 30 to October 6. His absence removes the defending champion from an ATP Tour hard-court event late in the season.
The injury also affects the race to finish the year as world No. 1. Alexander Zverev is ahead of Sinner in the live ATP Race and could collect up to 500 ranking points in Beijing while the Italian is sidelined. The source report describes that as a potential advantage; the final year-end ranking remains undecided.
The Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7, is Sinner next possible target. The report says he will hope to recover in time, but his statement did not confirm that he will play. His priority is to return once his knee is ready.
Novak Djokovic is among the leading names expected in Beijing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is set to return to the tournament after an 11-year absence. He has won the China Open six times, a record for the event, and will be looking to rebuild momentum after an early exit at the US Open.