SINNER WITHDRAWS FROM CHINA OPEN

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has officially pulled out of the upcoming China Open in Beijing, extending his time off the court as he continues to manage a lingering right knee injury. Sinner has been sidelined since his Wimbledon final victory in July, having already skipped hard-court events like the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open, and the US Open. In a video message to fans, the Italian star explained that his knee is simply not ready for high-level competition, prioritizing a full recovery rather than rushing back to defend his crown.

​The withdrawal comes as a major blow to the Beijing tournament field, where Sinner was set to enter as the defending champion. Because he won the title in Beijing last year, missing this edition means he will automatically drop 500 ATP ranking points. While Sinner maintains a healthy cushion at the top of the world rankings, his absence opens a significant window for rivals—most notably Alexander Zverev, who leads the field in Beijing and has a prime opportunity to close the gap in the battle for year-end No. 1.

​From a broader perspective, Sinner’s decision reflects a growing shift among modern elite players toward long-term longevity over short-term point chasing. Rushing back from joint injuries often leads to re-aggravation, especially on unforgiving hard courts. By stepping back, Sinner ensures he gives his body time to heal before targeting late-season goals, including the Shanghai Masters, the Paris Masters, and the year-end ATP Finals. Sports media outlets like kickhour.com continue to highlight how top-tier athletes are increasingly restructuring their schedules to safeguard their health against grueling tour demands.

​With Sinner officially out, spotlight and pressure in Beijing now shift entirely to contenders like Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. Fans in Beijing may be disappointed to miss the world No. 1, but the tournament promises plenty of high-stakes action as the ATP Asian swing gets underway. As reported on kickhour.com, tennis enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Sinner makes his projected return in Shanghai or opts for extra recovery time heading into the final stretch of the season.