Jannik Sinner’s real feelings shared by coach as Italian hands No.1 ranking to Zverev
Jannik Sinner is set to spend at least six months on the sidelines after shutting down his 2026 season to treat a knee injury. The world No. 1 has not played a match since beating Alexander Zverev in July’s Wimbledon final to defend his crown. He continued to withdraw from major tournaments, including the US Open, until he finally announced earlier this month that he was ending his season. Sinner’s difficult decision means that Zverev has already guaranteed the year-end No. 1 ranking and will also reach world No. 1 in the coming weeks regardless of his results, as the Italian will lose thousands of points he earned at the back end of last year.
The five-time Grand Slam champion initially seemed hopeful of making a return before the end of the season. He initially skipped the Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati over the summer before he was forced out of the US Open. At the time, it was reported that Sinner was undergoing shockwave therapy for his knee.
But he then withdrew from the China Open – where he was defending the title – and the Shanghai Masters. And the Italian finally decided to shut down his season, explaining that he and his doctors planned to seek further treatment for his knee. “I also need to think about my long-term career. I will do everything possible to get back to 100 per cent,” he said.
It means Sinner will have to sit at home and watch his ranking points come off until Zverev finally overtakes him in the standings. But according to Italian Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri, the 25-year-old isn’t fussed about the numbers and is focused on his recovery.
“We spoke. Jannik isn’t looking at his number, but at his health and improvement. He wants to return to a high level,” the Italian coach told Sky Sports Italy. While Sinner’s absence may be longer than many expected, the Davis Cup captain said there were no big concerns.
“We’re calm. He made the right choice. He’s a perfectionist and wants to be at 100 per cent to compete. He’ll lose his No. 1, but never mind. He’s working to get back to his best and improve further. We’re sure that’s what will happen,” Volandri added.
Sinner’s absence has also ruled him out of representing Italy at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna in November. The Italian squad have lifted the trophy three years on the trot, and were also without their top man last year.
Volandri has some tough decisions to make about who gets the call-up. There are eight Italian men in the top 100, and he’ll also have his eye on top doubles stars Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. “The guys know they have to give their all until the last week of the calendar, then we’ll make our assessments,” he said.
