Sinner Withdraws from China Open as Knee Injury Persists

MILAN (AP) — Jannik Sinner will not defend his China Open title, as the world No. 1 says his knee is not yet ready for competition.

The top-ranked Italian has not played since defeating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final and also withdrew from the U.S. Open with a right knee injury.

On Friday, Sinner officially pulled out of the Beijing tournament, which begins Wednesday.

“I am very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year,” Sinner said in a social media video. “My knee is not where I would like it to be and I am not ready to compete yet, but I will do everything possible to return to the court as soon as I can.”

“I am very disappointed that I cannot defend my title this year but I’m very happy to come back next year. I wish everyone a very good tournament and I see you all very soon on court again,” Sinner said.

Sinner did not specify when he might return. Upcoming tournaments include a Masters 1000 in Shanghai beginning Oct. 7 and an ATP 500 in Vienna starting Oct. 26.

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