**Defending Champion Sinner Withdraws from China Open Due to Injury**
World number one Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the upcoming China Open, citing ongoing recovery from a knee injury that has hindered his participation in recent tournaments. The announcement was made on Friday, as the 25-year-old Italian expressed his disappointment over not being able to compete in the event he won last year.
Sinner's injury has kept him off the court since he claimed his fifth major title at Wimbledon in July. Following his victory at Wimbledon, he opted out of the Canadian Open and later withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, both of which are significant hard-court preparation events leading up to the US Open. Ultimately, the knee issue also forced him to miss the US Open entirely.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Sinner stated, “I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year. My knee is not where I would like it to be, and I’m not ready to compete yet, but I will do everything possible to be back on court as soon as I can.” He further expressed his longing for the tournament atmosphere and the support of fans, noting, “What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere. I’ve had a great time in the past, including winning the title last year, and I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year, but I’m very happy to come back next year.”
Sinner's withdrawal leaves a notable gap in the tournament, which is part of the ATP 500 series. The defending champion had previously triumphed in Beijing by defeating American Learner Tien in straight sets in the final last year, marking his second title at the China Open after his first victory in 2023.
With Sinner out, the spotlight now shifts to other top players, including Novak Djokovic, who is set to return to the China Open after an 11-year hiatus. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is looking to regain his footing following a surprising first-round exit at the US Open, which resulted in a drop to world number 12. The Serbian star has an impressive record in Beijing, having won the tournament six times, and he will be aiming to extend that success.
The China Open is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 6, and fans are eagerly anticipating the competition, despite Sinner's absence. Djokovic's participation, along with other prominent players, is expected to provide an exciting atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts.
As Sinner continues his recovery, he remains hopeful for a swift return to competitive play. His commitment to returning to the sport is evident in his statement, and fans will be watching closely for updates on his progress.