**Jannik Sinner Withdraws from China Open Amid Ongoing Knee Injury Recovery**
World number one Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the upcoming China Open, citing his ongoing recovery from a knee injury that has hindered his participation in recent tournaments. The 25-year-old Italian, who has not competed since winning his fifth major title at Wimbledon in July, expressed his disappointment over the decision in a statement shared on social media.
In his announcement, 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." He emphasized his eagerness to return to competitive play, saying he would do everything possible to be back on the court as soon as he could. Sinner also reflected on his fond memories of the tournament, where he won the title last year, and expressed his intention to return in the future.
Sinner's injury issues have kept him off the court for an extended period, leading to his withdrawal from several key hard-court events, including the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, as well as the US Open. His absence from the China Open means he will not have the opportunity to defend his title, which he secured last year by defeating American Learner Tien in straight sets.
The withdrawal of Sinner leaves a significant gap in the tournament, which will now feature other top players, including Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is making his return to the China Open after an 11-year hiatus, following a surprising first-round exit at the US Open that saw him drop to world number 12. Djokovic, who has a perfect record at the China Open with six titles to his name, will be one of the main attractions as the tournament unfolds.
The China Open is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 6, 2026, and will feature a competitive men's draw despite Sinner's absence. As fans and players prepare for the event, Sinner's focus remains on his recovery, with hopes of returning to the court in the near future.