Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from next week’s Shanghai Masters as he continues to recover from the knee injury that has kept him out since his Wimbledon triumph in July.
The world number one, 25, has not played since defeating his opponent to win the men’s singles title at the All England Club. He subsequently missed the North American hardcourt swing, including the US Open, as well as the ongoing ATP 500 tournament in Beijing.
Announcing his decision on Saturday, Sinner said: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year as I had hoped.”
He added: “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.”
The Masters 1000 event begins on Wednesday and runs until October 18. Novak Djokovic, a four-time champion, is among the leading names entered alongside Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime and defending champion Valentin Vacherot.
Sinner won the Shanghai title in 2024 after beating Djokovic in the final, but will now miss the tournament as his absence from the tour continues.
The withdrawal could strengthen Zverev’s challenge for the year-end world number one ranking. The German, who won the French Open and US Open this year, can reach the top of the rankings for the first time if he wins both the China Open in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters.
