The wait is almost over for Jannik Sinner as comeback enters crucial phase
ATPSaturday, 12 September 2026 at 20:30
Jannik Sinner has completed his treatment in Turin and is now preparing to return to Monte Carlo, marking another important step in his recovery from the right knee problem that forced him to miss the US Open.
Sky Sport Italy was the first to report that the world No. 1 had completed three weeks of treatment at J Medical in Turin. The latest development comes as Sinner's recovery moves away from the medical stage and towards the gradual resumption of tennis-specific work.
Sinner's right knee has kept him out of competition since his Wimbledon triumph in July, with the Italian subsequently missing the entire North American hard-court swing, including the US Open. His team has taken a cautious approach throughout the recovery rather than setting an aggressive return date.
That approach will continue in Monte Carlo, where Sinner is expected to begin increasing his work on court while monitoring how the knee responds. The ATP 500 in Beijing remains the target for his return to competition, but the coming training period will be crucial in determining whether that goal can be met.
Sinner moves from treatment to tennis
The completion of the three-week programme at J Medical represents a change in the nature of Sinner's recovery. The focus can now increasingly shift towards tennis, although his return to full competition will still be gradual.
Sinner's rehabilitation has been centred on the extra-articular tendinopathy in his right knee, with the priority being to reduce the inflammation and restore the strength and stability required for normal movement. The positive response to treatment has allowed the Italian to leave Turin and continue the process from Monte Carlo.
The next challenge is different. Rehabilitation can establish that the knee is responding well to controlled physical work, but tennis places considerably greater demands on it through repeated changes of direction, acceleration, deceleration and rotational movements.
That makes the return to the court particularly important. Sinner will not simply be trying to get back on a tennis court; he will be testing whether his knee can tolerate the workload required to compete at the highest level.
The Italian has already made clear through his recovery strategy that there is little interest in rushing that process. After missing the US Open, the priority is now to make sure the problem is properly resolved rather than returning prematurely and risking another setback.
Sinner last appareance was at Wimbledon final two months ago.
Beijing remains the target for Sinner
The next major reference point is the China Open in Beijing, which begins on September 30. Sinner's team has maintained that tournament as the objective for his comeback, giving him several weeks to progress from rehabilitation to normal training before competition resumes.
However, the completion of treatment does not automatically confirm his participation. His work in Monte Carlo will provide much more relevant information, particularly once he starts increasing the intensity and volume of his on-court sessions.
That is why the coming days could be more significant than the completion of the medical programme itself. Sinner now has to demonstrate that the improvement achieved in Turin translates into the movements and workload of professional tennis.
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For the world No. 1, the return is therefore taking shape in stages. Turin marked the end of the intensive treatment phase, Monte Carlo will begin the tennis phase, and Beijing remains the potential destination if the knee continues to respond positively.
Sinner's absence from the US Open was a significant interruption to his season, but his team has consistently prioritised a complete recovery over a rushed comeback. With treatment now completed, the Italian can finally begin to find out when he will be ready to compete again.
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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