Sinner Withdraws from Shanghai Masters as Knee Injury Lingers
Sinner Withdraws from Shanghai Masters as Knee Injury Lingers
World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters as he continues his recovery from the knee injury that has sidelined him since his Wimbledon triumph in July.
The 25-year-old Italian announced the decision on Instagram on Saturday, ruling himself out of the Masters 1000 event that runs from October 7 to 18.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year as I had hoped,” Sinner wrote. “I always enjoy playing in front of the Shanghai fans and I’m very sorry that I won’t be able to do so next week.”
Shanghai Masters: Sinner’s absence stretches on
Sinner has not played a competitive match since lifting the Wimbledon title in July. The knee problem forced him to miss the entire North American hardcourt swing, including the US Open, as well as the ongoing ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he was the defending champion.
The withdrawal extends an injury-hit season for the Italian, who won the Shanghai title in 2024 by beating Novak Djokovic in the final. He offered no timeline for his return, striking an apologetic tone about missing a tournament he has spoken fondly of in the past.
This year’s Shanghai field is led by four-time champion Djokovic, along with Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime and defending champion Valentin Vacherot.
Zverev’s number-one bid gets a boost
Sinner’s continued absence could open the door for Alexander Zverev to finish the season as world number one. The German, who won the French Open and the US Open this year, has emerged as the Italian’s closest challenger.
Zverev can move to the top of the rankings for the first time if he wins both the China Open in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters. The two are separated by 1,370 points, and Zverev has already moved ahead of Sinner in the ATP Race to Turin with a 700-point lead.
Sinner has significantly more ranking points to defend than the German between now and the end of the season, having won the Beijing and Vienna titles, the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Why has Jannik Sinner withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters?
Sinner withdrew because of the knee injury that has kept him out of competition since his Wimbledon victory in July. He announced the decision on Instagram on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
When was Sinner’s last match?
His last competitive match was the Wimbledon final in July 2026, which he won. He has since missed the US Open, the North American hardcourt swing and the Beijing ATP 500 event.
Can Alexander Zverev become world number one?
Yes. Zverev, the French Open and US Open champion, can reach world No.1 for the first time if he wins both the China Open in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters, given Sinner’s continued absence and the points the Italian must defend.
