Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic set to headline Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic as they make highly anticipated return to action

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are two players that have opted not to compete in any ATP grass tournaments ahead of Wimbledon. However, they will get some preparation on grass in the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham from 23-27 June.

The exhibition is a very prestigious one and features a number of big names, none more than reigning Wimbledon champion Sinner and of course seven-time champion Djokovic. They will boost the appeal of the event with more people wanting to follow the action with preparation needed for the third Grand Slam of the year.

“We are delighted to welcome such an exceptional field of players to The Hurlingham Club this year,” Tournament Director Nikhil Waugh said. "Novak’s return to the exhibition, alongside Jannik Sinner’s debut appearance, promises a fantastic week of world-class tennis.

“With some of the sport’s biggest names competing on our iconic grass courts ahead of Wimbledon, we look forward to delivering a truly memorable experience for players and spectators alike.”

A long list of talents will also feature. Roland Garros finalist Flavio Cobolli has not enjoyed a great period on grass with world number five Ben Shelton already securing a title at the Stuttgart Open. More time on the surface will be greatly needed, or in Casper Ruud's case greatly hated. The Norwegian is someone else that has not appeared on court since the end of the clay swing, getting married and spending some time away from court. He will get some first action on grass of the year, a surface he is synonymous in disliking.

A third Italian in the form of Luciani Darderi will make the trip over to Hurlingham Club in Fulham. Learner Tien, Jiri Lehecka, Tommy Paul, Karen Khachanov, Cameron Norrie and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard make up the field.

Sinner and Djokovic will be in action on the Wednesday. Sinner takes on Norrie which will be closely followed by Djokovic's contest against Khachanov.

Along with Alexander Zverev, Sinner and Djokovic will be among the favourites to lift the title. Sinner was the overwhelming favourite at Roland Garros after winning his last 29 matches, lifting five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.

He had that 30 wins on the spin before collapsing in dramatic fashion against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. He was leading 5-1 in the third before failing to serve it out twice as he suffered on court in a huge surprise.

Since then, the world number one has been to numerous hospitals around Italy to see if there is any underlying causes to this. The results have come back with flying colours and he is back on court preparing for his title defence. He has not won a Grand Slam this year, and will be desperate to get over the line.

While he has been competing at the Halle Open as one of his warm-ups to Wimbledon, he opted not to go this year following his busy schedule. He will go into Wimbledon without any ATP experience on grass, something that Djokovic has got used to.

The Serbian is making a habit of not playing in any tournaments ahead of a major event. This exhibition will provide the 39-year-old with his first and only match on grass before he looks to win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.

He lost at SW19 in the semi-final last year to Sinner, unable to cope with the eventual champion. It was the first time since 2017 that he had not reached the final, and he will be determined to get another final run under his belt with another chance at history.