“My knee is not where I would like it to be”: Sinner pulls out of Beijing and gives up the title he won last year

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the China Open in Beijing, citing a persistent knee injury that has kept him off court since Wimbledon. This decision means he will not defend his title, adding to a series of missed tournaments and raising questions about his return to competition.

25 September 2026

Jannik Sinner, 2026 | © Image Sport / Psnewz

Cédric Rouquette

Jannik Sinner will not defend his China Open title. The world No. 1 announced his withdrawal from the Beijing (ATP 500 30 September – 6 October) on Friday, September 25, in a video message addressed to Chinese fans, extending an absence that has now run to roughly 75 days and that has its roots in a right knee problem which has kept him off court since he won Wimbledon in July.

“Hello everyone, Jannik here. I want to send the warmest greetings to the Chinese fans. I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year,” the Italian said. “My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I’m not ready to compete, but I will do everything possible to be there on court as soon as I can. What I’ll miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans, and the atmosphere.”

“I’ve had a great time in the past, winning the title last year. I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I’m very happy to come back next year. I wish everyone a very good tournament, and I’ll see you all very soon.”

Fourth withdrawal since Wimbledon

Beijing is where Sinner has most to lose in this stretch of the calendar. He won the 2025 China Open by beating Learner Tien in the final, and every one of those points now comes off a ranking he has been defending without playing since the grass season ended.

The second half of his year has emptied out one tournament at a time: he skipped the Canadian Open, withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, and pulled out of the US Open, and Friday’s announcement is a fresh setback to his hopes of finishing the season on top.

His stated target for a return is the Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7. His absence does not travel alone. Together with Ben Shelton’s withdrawal, it reshapes the top of both Asian draws.