Tennis: Jannik Sinner withdraws from China Open with knee injury

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open in Beijing as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

The Italian was due to defend the title he won in Beijing last year but says he is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

“I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to compete in Beijing this year. My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I am not ready to compete yet,” Sinner said.

BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 01: Jannik Sinner of Italy returns a shot in the Men’s Singles Final match against Learner Tien of the United States on day 10 of 2025 China Open at National Tennis Center on October 01, 2025 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old has not played since winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title in July. His knee problem also forced him to miss the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. Sinner said he is focused on returning to the court as soon as possible.

“I will do everything possible to be on court as soon as I can,” he added.

He also expressed his disappointment at missing the tournament, where he won the title last year.

“What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament and the fans and the atmosphere. I’ve had a great time in the past, winning the title last year and I am very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year.”

BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 01: Champion Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after the Men’s Singles Final match on day 10 of the 2025 China Open at the National Tennis Center on October 1, 2025 in Beijing, China. (Photo by China Open Official 2025/VCG via Getty Images)

Sinner said he is looking forward to returning to Beijing next year. His withdrawal extends his absence from competitive tennis as he continues to recover from the knee problem that has kept him out since Wimbledon. China Open is scheduled to kick off from September 28 to October 11, 2026, in Beijing.