Jannik Sinner Withdraws From Beijing Tournament Due to Persistent Knee Injury
World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, citing ongoing knee problems and focusing on recovery before returning to competition.
By Mei-Ling Chao · First published 25 Sept 2026
In brief
- Jannik Sinner, currently ranked world number one, has withdrawn from the China Open due to a persistent knee injury.
- Sinner has not played any tournaments since winning Wimbledon in July because of ongoing knee issues.
- He announced his withdrawal in a video on social media, saying he is still not ready to compete.
- Sinner's absence means he cannot defend the ranking points he earned at last year's Beijing event.
- He has not set a date for his return and is prioritizing full recovery before resuming tournament play.
Timeline · 6 moments
Sinner announces planned return to Beijing tournament
Adnkronos - ultimoratop ↗Italian media reports Sinner set for Beijing comeback
Fanpage ↗Sinner withdraws from Beijing due to knee injury
Fanpage ↗Sinner confirms withdrawal and ongoing recovery in video
Adnkronos - ultimoratop ↗Sinner will not defend Beijing title
Telegraaf ↗Sinner's injury recovery remains uncertain
ANSA.it ↗Update 25 Sept 2026, 3:53 pm UTC
Jannik Sinner has confirmed his withdrawal from the China Open, citing ongoing recovery from his knee injury. He has not played since his Wimbledon win and missed the US Open for the same reason.
How it started
After a strong season that included a Wimbledon title, Jannik Sinner faced ongoing knee issues that forced him to miss several tournaments. In late September, he indicated his intention to return to professional tennis at the ATP 500 event in Beijing. This tournament was seen as a crucial test for his condition and a potential warm-up ahead of the Masters 1000 in Shanghai.
How it unfolded
On September 24, Italian media reported that Sinner had recovered enough to play in Beijing, raising hopes for his return. However, the situation changed quickly. By September 25, Sinner released a video statement on social media, announcing he would not participate in the Beijing tournament after all. He explained that his knee was still not fully healed and that he was not in ideal condition to compete. This announcement confirmed that his injury, which has sidelined him since Wimbledon, was still a significant obstacle. The withdrawal means Sinner will not defend the points from his Beijing title last year, potentially impacting his ranking.
Where it stands
Sinner remains focused on his rehabilitation and has not committed to a date for returning to competition. His knee injury continues to affect his schedule, and he is prioritizing long-term health over immediate tournament play. Fans and officials are waiting for further updates on his recovery and possible participation in upcoming events.
What to watch
The main question is when Sinner will be able to return to the ATP tour. His next possible event is the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, but no official decision has been made. Sinner's recovery progress will be closely watched, as his absence from key tournaments could influence the rankings and the rest of the season.


