“There’s nothing worse than returning in pain”: Federer’s former coach sends Sinner warning after season-ending decision

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 01:00

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Jannik Sinner will not play another match in 2026, and Ivan Ljubicic believes the most important part of his decision is what happens next. The former coach of Roger Federer has drawn a comparison between the Italian’s prolonged absence and the Swiss legend’s decision to end his 2016 season early, highlighting why a complete recovery must come before any attempt to return.

Sinner announced on October 6 that he would miss the remainder of the season because of his ongoing knee problem. Having not competed since winning Wimbledon in July, the Italian will also miss the ATP Finals in Turin, where he was aiming to defend his title for the third consecutive year.

For Ljubicic, the difficult part of Sinner’s situation is how differently things have unfolded from what was initially expected. A short break has become a months-long absence, leaving the world No. 1 with little choice but to prioritise his recovery over the closing tournaments of the season.

Federer faced a similar decision in 2016, when he stopped competing in July to recover from his knee problems. However, Ljubicic pointed out an important difference between the two situations: Federer already knew his season was over when he stopped, whereas Sinner’s recovery took an unexpected turn.

Ljubicic explains the difference between Federer and Sinner

Speaking to Sky Sport, Ljubicic reflected on how difficult it can be to manage an injury when the recovery takes longer than anticipated. He believes Sinner’s experience shows why players must sometimes accept that their original plans are no longer realistic.

“Injuries are always tough to manage, especially when they drag on longer than expected. In Jannik's case, I think what was initially supposed to be a short break turned into a more complicated situation than anticipated."

Jannik Sinner with his hands on his head

“It's different to know from the start that you'll be sidelined for six months. I hope Jannik can get through this period in the best way possible.”

Ljubicic recalled how Federer approached his own situation eight years earlier, when ending the season early allowed him to concentrate fully on rehabilitation. “When Roger decided to stop in July 2016, we already knew his season was over. For Jannik, though, the situation is different.”

Why the Australian Open is now the priority

Missing the ATP Finals is a significant sacrifice for Sinner, who has won the tournament in each of the past two seasons. However, Ljubicic believes the Italian should focus on resolving his knee problem rather than rushing back to compete before the end of the year.

“The most important thing is that he resolves the issue and, when he returns, has no more discomfort. For a player, in fact, there's nothing worse than getting back on the court and still feeling pain.”

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That makes the Australian Open an important potential target for Sinner’s return. With the new season still several months away, he has time to undergo treatment and prepare for 2027 without the immediate demands of tournament competition.

A complete recovery, rather than a rushed comeback, will be the key consideration. “Stopping well in advance of next season, when there's still at least three months until it starts, could help him recover fully and show up in Australia in top shape,” Ljubicic added.

Sinner’s absence ends a season that had already been interrupted by injury, but the longer-term objective remains clear. As Federer’s experience illustrates, stepping away can be necessary when physical problems persist. For Sinner, the decision will ultimately be judged by whether he can return in 2027 ready to compete without pain.

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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