World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters 1000 as he continues to recover from a knee injury that has kept him out of competition since his Wimbledon triumph in July.
Sinner confirmed his decision on Saturday, saying he had hoped to return in Shanghai but would not be ready to compete at the tournament.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year as I had hoped,” the Italian wrote on Instagram Stories. “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. Thank you for all your support. I’m looking forward to seeing you again next year!”
The 24-year-old has not played since defeating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final. He subsequently missed the North American hard-court swing, including the US Open, because of a right knee injury.
Sinner also announced last week that he would not defend his China Open title in Beijing, saying that his knee was not yet where he wanted it to be and that he was not ready to compete.
His withdrawal from Shanghai extends his period on the sidelines and means he will miss another major event after previously lifting the Shanghai trophy in 2024, when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.
The absence also comes at an important stage of the season, with the battle for the ATP world No. 1 ranking still open. Sinner currently occupies the top spot, while Zverev has enjoyed a strong season and is looking to challenge for the position.
The Shanghai Masters 1000 will take place from October 7 to 18, with Djokovic, Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and defending champion Valentin Vacherot among the players in the field.
