Sinner Withdraws from China Open Due to Knee Injury

Key Takeaways

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open.
The 25-year-old Italian is not ready to compete after missing the US Open.
Sinner will focus on recovery and aims to return next year.

World number one Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the China Open, citing his ongoing knee injury recovery. Sinner, who won his fifth major title at Wimbledon in July, has not played since then and has skipped several key events, including the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open.

In a statement on social media, Sinner expressed his disappointment at not being able to defend his title from the previous year. 'I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year,' he said. 'My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I’m not ready to compete yet.'

The 25-year-old Italian added that he is committed to returning to the court as soon as possible. 'I’m very happy to come back next year,' he stated. 'What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere.'

Sinner’s withdrawal leaves Novak Djokovic as one of the headline attractions at the ATP 500 event. The 39-year-old Serb, who boasts a perfect record and six titles in Beijing, will return to the China Open after an 11-year absence. Djokovic is looking to rebuild his momentum following a shock first-round exit at the US Open that saw him slip to world number 12.

The men’s draw at the China Open runs from September 30 to October 6, with the tournament providing a key opportunity for players to prepare for the upcoming season. Sinner’s absence will be felt, but his focus on recovery is seen as a positive step towards his return.

Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the China Open is part of a broader strategy to manage his knee injury and ensure he is fully fit for future tournaments. His statement reflects his commitment to the sport and his desire to compete at the highest level.

The tournament organizers and fans are expected to wish Sinner well as he continues his recovery. His withdrawal is a reminder of the importance of player health and the need for a balanced approach to competing at the highest levels of professional tennis.

In a separate development, Agassi has advised Raducanu not to judge her effort by results in her comeback journey. This advice comes as Raducanu prepares to return to the tour after a challenging period.