Jannik Sinner could be at risk of missing next year's Australian Open after a worrying update regarding his current injury struggles. The world number one has been sidelined for two months with a troublesome right knee problem, forcing him to skip the US Open and withdraw from the China Open.
He has not played a competitive match since his victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final over two months ago. It was initially believed that Sinner would recover with rest and physical therapy in time for the ATP Finals in November. However, it seems the injury might be substantially worse than initially feared.
Surgery possibility
According to Corriere dello Sport, there is a chance that Sinner may need surgery to fix the problem once and for all. The report claims that if rest and physical therapy prove insufficient, the 25-year-old will need to go under the knife, which could potentially ruin his hopes of competing at the Australian Open in January.
Italian journalist Gabriele Parpiglia recently claimed that Sinner's injury had been identified as an unusually complex case of extra-articular tendon inflammation, or iliotibial band syndrome.
Injury explained
Parpiglia explained: "The iliotibial band is a strip of fibrous tissue that is thick, strong and not very elastic. It originates in the pelvis, runs down the entire outer side of the thigh and attaches to the tibia, just below the knee."
"It acts like a steel cable, helping to stabilise the leg. The problem occurs just above the knee. There, the band passes over a bony prominence of the femur, the lateral epicondyle."
"Every time the knee bends and straightens, the band slides over it until the tissue between the fascia and the bone becomes inflamed. That’s why we describe it as ‘extra-articular’. The problem is not inside the knee. It is outside, on the outer side."
Sinner's admission
Sinner recently admitted that his recovery wasn't going as hoped, but insisted he would do everything in his power to make a speedy return to the court.
Announcing his withdrawal from the China Open, he said: "I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year. My knee is not where I would like it to be and I’m not ready to compete yet."
"I will do everything possible to be there on court as soon as I can. What I miss the most is, of course, the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere."
"I’ve had great times there in the past, winning the title also last year. I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year."
