World No 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the China Open, saying he is not yet ready to compete as he continues to recover from the knee injury that also forced him to miss the US Open.
The Italian has not played a match since winning his second successive Wimbledon title in July.
Sinner skipped the Canadian Open and withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, two key hard-court tune-up events, before also pulling out of the US Open.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
“I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year,” Sinner said on social media.
“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.
“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.
“So I wish everyone a very good tournament, and I’ll see you all very soon on court again.”
Sinner defeated American Learner Tien in straight sets in the Beijing final last year to win his second China Open title after his triumph in 2023.
The withdrawal is bad news for Sinner’s chances of finishing as the year-end No 1.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev is already ahead in the Live ATP Race and could add another 500 points in Beijing while Sinner is sidelined.
Live ATP Race
-
1. Alexander Zverev – 8,650 points
-
2. Jannik Sinner – 7,950 points
-
3. Ben Shelton – 4,430 points
-
4. Carlos Alcaraz – 4,050 points
-
5. Flavio Cobolli – 3,530 points
The five-time Grand Slam champion will hope to recover in time for the Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7 – live on Sky Sports Tennis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sinner’s absence leaves Novak Djokovic as one of the headline attractions at the ATP 500 event.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will return to Beijing after an 11-year absence as he looks to rebuild momentum following a shock first-round exit at the US Open that saw him slip to world No 12.
The 39-year-old Serb is returning to Beijing, where he boasts a perfect record and a tournament-best six titles.
The men’s draw at the China Open runs from September 30 to October 6.
Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.