World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Considers Delaying Return Until European Indoor Season

Jannik Sinner is targeting a return at the China Open in Beijing on September 30 after missing the North American hard-court swing, including the US Open, because of a right-knee injury. Reports say he has resumed training and is responding positively, but former Italian player Stefano Pescosolido believes Sinner could delay his comeback, skip the Asian swing and return during the European indoor season instead. The cautious approach reflects concerns about setbacks and the difficult conditions he experienced at last year’s Shanghai Masters, with the ATP Finals and next season’s Grand Slam tournaments among his broader priorities. Sinner remains No. 1 despite missing key events, while Alexander Zverev’s strong season—including two Grand Slam titles—has increased pressure at the top of the rankings.
The China Open carries added significance because Sinner is the defending champion; he has reached the final in all three of his appearances in Beijing, winning the tournament in 2023 and 2025.
Before his injury interrupted the season, Sinner had compiled a 44-3 record and won six titles, including Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
Despite dropping 1,950 ranking points while sidelined, Sinner remained No. 1 with 11,500 points, ahead of Alexander Zverev’s 9,690.
Zverev’s two-major season includes his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and a US Open final victory over Ben Shelton, 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2.
Sinner is the reigning champion at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals, where he is scheduled to defend a combined 2,500 ranking points later in the season.
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