Overview
- Sinner confirmed on Friday that he will not play the China Open because his right knee "is not where I would like it to be," extending an absence that began after his Wimbledon win in July.
- Tournament organisers named Quentin Halys as Sinner’s replacement in the Beijing draw.
- By missing Beijing Sinner will forfeit the 500 points he earned for last year’s title, reducing his lead and improving Alexander Zverev’s chance to close the gap in the live rankings.
- Media and team sources say Shanghai (the Masters 1000 starting Oct. 7) is a possible but unconfirmed target for Sinner’s return, leaving his exact comeback timetable unclear.
- Sinner’s decision reshuffles Beijing’s commercial and competitive picture by elevating other headliners such as Novak Djokovic and frustrates Chinese fans who expected to see the defending champion while underscoring Sinner’s priority on long‑term fitness.