Jannik Sinner Withdraws From Shanghai Masters 2026 Due to Knee Issue
Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters 2026, ending hopes of his return during the Asian swing. The world No. 1 announced that he will not compete at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, scheduled from October 7 to 18, as he continues to deal with a right knee problem.
Sinner Shanghai Withdrawal Delays His Return
Sinner has not played a competitive match since winning the Wimbledon title in July. The Italian was also forced to miss the US Open and later withdrew from the China Open in Beijing, where he was the defending champion.
Announcing his Sinner Shanghai withdrawal, the five-time Grand Slam champion wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play at the Shanghai Masters this year as I had hoped.”
Sinner also addressed the Shanghai fans, adding that he always enjoys playing in front of them and was “very sorry” that he would not be able to compete next week. He thanked the fans for their support and said he was looking forward to seeing them again next year.
Why Did Sinner Withdraw From Shanghai?
The Sinner Shanghai withdrawal comes amid his ongoing recovery from a right knee injury. Sinner did not provide a fresh medical explanation in his latest statement, although the knee issue has kept him away from competition since Wimbledon.
The Italian had earlier explained his decision to skip Beijing by saying that his knee was not where he wanted it to be and that he would do everything possible to return to the court as soon as possible.
According to reports from Italy, Sinner consulted a knee specialist in Lyon on Friday, October 2, shortly before confirming his Shanghai withdrawal.
Sinner Shanghai Absence Continues Long Layoff
The Sinner Shanghai absence extends a break that has already included several major tournaments. After his Wimbledon triumph, the Italian missed the North American hard-court swing, including the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open and US Open, before withdrawing from the China Open and now the Shanghai Masters.
Sinner enters the withdrawal with an impressive 2026 record of 44 wins and three losses, along with six titles during the season.
His last competitive appearance came at Wimbledon, where he won the title in July.
Sinner Shanghai Withdrawal Impacts ATP Rankings
The withdrawal also has implications for the ATP rankings. Sinner currently leads Alexander Zverev at the top of the rankings, with 1,370 points separating the two players.
Sinner has more points to defend during the final part of the season after winning the Beijing and Vienna ATP 500 events, the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in 2025. Those results mean his absence from tournaments could affect the rankings battle as the season progresses.
Zverev, meanwhile, has collected major results in 2026, including his first French Open and US Open titles, while also reaching the Australian Open semi-finals and Wimbledon final.
What Is Next After Sinner Shanghai Withdrawal?
The Sinner Shanghai withdrawal leaves the timing of the Italian’s return uncertain. His next potential competitive opportunities include the Vienna Open and Paris Masters, while a possible appearance for Italy at the Davis Cup Finals later in the year could also remain on the schedule.
For now, Sinner’s immediate focus remains on recovering from the knee problem and returning when he is ready to compete.
The Shanghai Masters will therefore go ahead without the defending 2024 champion, while fans will have to wait longer for the world No. 1’s return to the ATP Tour.
