Djokovic backs Sinner’s call to end 2026 season and fix knee properly
SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic on Thursday backed Jannik Sinner’s decision to shut down his 2026 season early, saying the world number one had made the right call by putting his long-term future ahead of a rushed comeback. Djokovic backs Sinner to stay off court while he undergoes treatment for the knee injury that has sidelined him since July.
Speaking to reporters in Shanghai, Djokovic said the 25-year-old Italian was thinking correctly about his career. “But at the same time, he has to think long-term,” he said. “That’s smart because as someone that always tried to have the big picture in my mind, I really support that kind of thinking and mindset.”
“It’s important that you give yourself more years to your career, so you have more chances to accomplish all of your objectives.”
Djokovic backs Sinner to take the long view after his own injury history
Djokovic, 39, returned from a lengthy layoff after elbow surgery in 2018, and he said the hardest part of a comeback is not only physical. “Of course, physically, if you’re ready, you’re ready,” he said. “But then it’s mental. You know, you’re on the court and you’re thinking, ‘Am I really completely healed and free to make this run’.”
That experience gives his backing weight: he went on to add multiple Grand Slam titles after that surgery, so he understands what is at stake when a top player chooses patience.
Sinner announced his decision on Tuesday in a social media statement, saying he and his doctors had agreed he needs a course of treatment for the knee and that he must think about his long-term career. His team has described the problem only as inflammation. The story was reported by Reuters.
Sinner’s absence leaves a hole in Turin and the year-end race
Sinner has not played since beating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final on July 12. He missed the North American hardcourt swing, the US Open and the Asian swing, and he will now also skip the European indoor season and the ATP Finals in Turin, where he has won the title in each of the last two years.
The ATP Finals bring together the eight best players of the season, and Sinner has made the season-ending championship his own territory, lifting the trophy in front of home crowds twice in a row.
It also opens the door in the race to finish the year as world number one. With Sinner shut down, Zverev can overtake him and claim the year-end top spot for the first time in his career. The Italian’s dominant stretch across the last two seasons will now end with him watching the season’s final act from the sidelines.
Djokovic arrived in Shanghai fresh from winning the China Open title in Beijing on Tuesday. The 10th seed begins his Shanghai Masters campaign against Hubert Hurkacz on Friday.
FAQ
Why did Jannik Sinner end his 2026 season early?
Sinner said he and his doctors decided he needs a course of treatment for a knee problem that has kept him out since July. He stated that he must think about his long-term career. His team has described the issue only as inflammation.
When did Sinner last play a match?
His last match was the Wimbledon final on July 12, when he beat Alexander Zverev. Since then he has missed the North American hardcourt swing, the US Open and the Asian swing, and he will also skip the European indoor season and the ATP Finals in Turin.
What exactly did Novak Djokovic say?
Djokovic said Sinner was smart to think long-term and that he supported that mindset. He said a player should give himself more years in the game for more chances to reach his objectives, and he noted that the challenge of a comeback is mental as well as physical.
Who benefits from Sinner’s absence?
Alexander Zverev has the clearest path to finishing the year as world number one. With Sinner shut down and unable to defend points, Zverev can claim the year-end top ranking for the first time in his career.
