Jannik Sinner chooses patience as latest tests delay his return

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 21:00

Jannik Sinner's decision to skip the US Open is looking increasingly justified as new medical checks have led the world No. 1 to extend his period away from the court. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian could remain without touching a racket until at least September 6 as he continues his recovery from inflammation in his right knee.

Sinner already announced his withdrawal from the final Grand Slam of the season last week, ending his hopes of returning to New York after reaching the final in 2025. Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in that final, is the defending champion this year.

The latest information, however, offers a clearer picture of why Sinner and his team decided not to rush his return. Rather than increasing the intensity of his training after recent on-court tests, the Italian has reportedly opted for another period of complete rest, potentially adding a second week without a racket.

That would push his return to tennis activity into September and leave him with a much longer recovery window before his next intended tournament. If everything progresses according to plan, Sinner could make his competitive comeback in Beijing on September 30 — around 80 days after his Wimbledon final against Alexander Zverev.

Sinner chooses patience after further knee checks

Sinner has been moving between Monte Carlo and JMedical in Turin as he continues the rehabilitation programme for his right knee. The issue has reportedly been identified as inflammation rather than structural damage, but it has nevertheless prevented him from preparing normally since Wimbledon.

The Italian last competed at Wimbledon, where he captured his fifth Grand Slam title by defeating Zverev in the final. He subsequently missed both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati before withdrawing from the US Open, despite returning to some training in Monte Carlo.

Jannik Sinner at San Raffaele Hospital days before Wimbledon.

Sinner could be out for about 80 days until his official return - if the plan goes as expected.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner had been using recent sessions on court to monitor his movements and determine whether his knee was ready for a gradual increase in workload. Those tests have now apparently convinced him that more rest is necessary.

The decision could keep him completely away from his racket until September 6. If that timeline holds, Sinner would then begin rebuilding his tennis preparation with Beijing as the target rather than attempting to accelerate his recovery for an earlier return.

That approach is particularly significant because Sinner's absence from New York was already a difficult decision. He had won the US Open in 2024 and reached the final again in 2025, but the latest medical developments suggest that attempting to defend his deep run in New York would have carried unnecessary risk.

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Instead, Sinner now has the opportunity to focus on the final stretch of the season. Beijing begins on September 30 and is currently expected to be his first competitive tournament since Wimbledon.

If he returns there as planned, approximately 80 days will have passed since his Wimbledon triumph. That would make for one of the longest competitive breaks of Sinner's recent career, but also one that could allow him to return with his knee fully recovered rather than attempting to compete before he is ready.

For a player who has already secured one Grand Slam title in 2026, sacrificing the US Open in order to protect the rest of the season may ultimately prove to have been the correct call. The latest medical update only strengthens that argument.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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