BREAKING: Jannik Sinner issues worrying statement and faces missing Australian Open
Jannik Sinner has issued a worrying injury update, with the young Italian fighting to play at the Australian Open despite feeling like he has “no control” over the situation. Sinner has slipped to third in the ATP rankings as a result of his lengthy absence, having not played since winning Wimbledon in the summer. He has been dealing with a right knee problem and was forced to end his season early to undergo a non-surgical treatment programme.
It remains to be seen if Sinner will be fit enough to play at the Australian Open, which starts in January. He won the tournament in 2024 and 2025 but was beaten by eventual runner-up Novak Djokovic in this year’s semi-final.
In an interview with Sky Sports Italy, the 25-year-old said that he was hoping to return in Melbourne but explained there was only so much that he could do.
Sinner said: “I have the best doctors in the world by my side, and I’m following the plan they’ve laid out for me. I have to accept this situation so I can come back stronger than before.
This is the first time I’ve felt like I don’t have control over the situation, and it’s strange, a feeling I don’t like. At least now I can spend more time with my family and friends.
My goal is to be in Australia, and I hope I can make it in time, maybe even play a tournament before then. Right now I have to respect the timelines and follow the medical protocols, without trying to speed up my recovery.
“I have complete faith in the team treating me, and I’m working to be able to achieve that goal.”
Expanding on his time away, Sinner added: “These months haven’t been easy because I miss competing, going out on court and giving 100 per cent.
“I miss playing tennis. Right now, the most important thing is to take care of my body, because I want to keep playing for another 10 or 15 years.
Sinner also gave a shout-out to Jack Draper, alongside Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz, for supporting him during his injury absence.
He said: “When I announced that my season was over, Berrettini and Draper got in touch straight away. Jack is also going through a difficult period, so he understands what I’m going through.
Alcaraz had sent me a message, just as I message him. I really appreciated it. We are trying to find a way out of this situation and working towards experiencing those emotions again.
“For me, tennis is not a job. I continue to play because I enjoy it.”
