World number one Jannik Sinner confirmed on Friday that he will not compete in the upcoming China Open in Beijing. The 25‑year‑old Italian cited ongoing recovery from a knee injury as the reason for his withdrawal, noting that his knee “is not where I would like it to be” and that he is not yet ready to compete.
Injury timeline and recent absences
Sinner has been sidelined since his victory at Wimbledon in July, where he captured his fifth major title. The knee problem forced him to miss the US Open and led him to skip two key hard‑court tune‑up events, the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, before ultimately pulling out of the US Open itself.
Player’s statement to fans
In a social‑media post, Sinner expressed his disappointment, saying, “I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year. What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere. I’ve had a great time in the past, including winning the title last year, and I am very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I am very happy to come back next year. So I wish everyone a very good tournament, and I’ll see you all very soon on court again.”
Last year’s triumph
Last September, Sinner defeated American Learner Tien in straight sets to claim his second China Open title, following his inaugural victory in 2023. His absence this year leaves a notable opening in the tournament field.
Impact on the tournament lineup
With Sinner out, veteran Novak Djokovic becomes one of the headline attractions at the ATP 500 event. The 24‑time Grand Slam champion will return to Beijing after an 11‑year hiatus, aiming to rebuild momentum following a surprise first‑round loss at the US Open that dropped him to world number 12. Djokovic boasts a perfect record at the China Open, holding a tournament‑best six titles.
Event schedule
The men’s draw at the China Open runs from September 30 to October 6, featuring a strong international field despite Sinner’s withdrawal. Organizers remain optimistic about fan turnout and the quality of competition.
Looking ahead
Sinner reassured supporters that he will work diligently to return to the court as soon as his knee permits. His focus on a full recovery underscores the importance of athlete health and the rigorous demands of the professional tennis calendar.
Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Goa; additional context added by HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
