Oct 6 (Reuters) – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced on Tuesday that he will not compete again in 2026 as he focuses on recovering from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since his victory at Wimbledon in July. Sinner has not played since defeating Alexander Zverev in the final at the All England Club on July 12. The 25-year-old has missed multiple events, including the North American hardcourt swing and the US Open, as well as ongoing tournaments in Asia.
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He will also be absent from the European indoor hardcourt swing and the ATP Finals in Turin, a tournament he won in the previous two years. "Me, together with the doctors, have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee which means the 2026 season is officially over," Sinner said in a video shared on X. He expressed that while the last couple of years have brought him great joy, this year will be different.
Sinner emphasized the importance of prioritizing his long-term career, stating, "I’ll do everything possible to get back 100%." His team confirmed in a statement that he will undergo treatment for knee inflammation, allowing him sufficient recovery time before preparing for the 2027 season.
Sinner's absence may provide an opportunity for Zverev to take over the top position in the world rankings, as he has narrowed the gap after winning both the French Open and US Open titles.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Ed Osmond)