Overview
- Sinner confirmed on Friday that he will not play the 2026 China Open in a personal video message in which he said his right knee “is not there” and he is not ready to compete.
- The world No. 1 has not played since defending Wimbledon in mid-July and had already withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open and the US Open because of the same knee issue.
- Sinner is the defending Beijing champion with a 14–1 China Open record, so skipping the event means forfeiting significant ranking points and disappointing many local fans.
- With Beijing removed from his schedule, attention turns to the Shanghai Masters in early October as a possible comeback target but nothing about his return there has been confirmed.
- The absence tightens the year-end points race as Alexander Zverev closes the live ATP gap, making the next events crucial for Sinner’s bid to retain the No.1 spot.