Jannik Sinner has ended his 2026 season early to treat a knee injury, meaning Alexander Zverev will take over the world No. 1 ranking. The Italian has not played since beating Zverev in July's Wimbledon final to defend his title.
Sinner withdrew from several major tournaments, including the US Open, before announcing earlier this month that he would not play again this season. Zverev has already secured the year-end No. 1 ranking and will also reach the top spot in the coming weeks, as Sinner loses points earned at the end of last year.
Sinner's focus on recovery
The five-time Grand Slam champion initially hoped to return before the end of the season. He skipped Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati over the summer before being forced out of the US Open. Reports at the time said Sinner was undergoing shockwave therapy for his knee.
He then withdrew from the China Open, where he was defending his title, and the Shanghai Masters. The Italian finally decided to shut down his season, saying he and his doctors planned further treatment for his knee.
“I also need to think about my long-term career. I will do everything possible to get back to 100 per cent,” he said.
Italian Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri said the 25-year-old is not worried about rankings and is focused on his recovery.
“We spoke. Jannik isn't looking at his number, but at his health and improvement. He wants to return to a high level,” Volandri told Sky Sports Italy.
Davis Cup absence
Volandri added there were no major concerns about Sinner's absence, even if it lasts longer than expected.
“We’re calm. He made the right choice. He’s a perfectionist and wants to be at 100 per cent to compete. He’ll lose his No. 1, but never mind. He’s working to get back to his best and improve further. We’re sure that’s what will happen,” Volandri said.
Sinner's absence rules him out of representing Italy at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna in November. The Italian squad have won the trophy three years in a row, and were also without their top player last year.
Volandri faces tough selection decisions, with eight Italian men in the top 100 and doubles stars Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori also in contention.
“The guys know they have to give their all until the last week of the calendar, then we’ll make our assessments,” he said.
