World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Beijing tournament due to physical or knee problems, postponing his return to the courts. The Italian star confirmed his absence from the ATP 500 tournament while making a high-profile appearance at Milan Fashion Week, where he mingled with fashion industry leaders and fellow tennis professionals.
Fashion Week Appearance Interrupted by Injury Questions
Stepping away from his ongoing injury rehabilitation regimen, Sinner arrived in Milan on Friday, September 25, 2026, to attend the Spring/Summer 2027 womenswear collection show for Gucci. Sinner serves as a global brand ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house and is a frequent front-row presence during the city’s seasonal fashion events. Dressed casually in jeans, a white t-shirt, and an olive overcoat, the top-ranked player posed for photographers before the show and conversed with fellow Gucci ambassador Aryna Sabalenka, who was also in the audience.
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Seated alongside long-time Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Sinner addressed his sudden absence from the Asian swing of the tennis calendar. In a brief exchange captured on social media, Wintour expressed surprise at seeing the player in Italy rather than in transit to China, remarking that she thought he would be in Beijing. Sinner responded with a laugh, noting that he had shared that expectation until shortly before his official withdrawal.
Official Withdrawal and Timeline Uncertainty
The decision to skip the Beijing event follows a prolonged recovery period that began after Sinner captured the Wimbledon singles title in July 2026. The right knee issue previously forced the Italian champion to miss the U.S. Open in New York, and it has now sidelined him through the autumn Asian hard-court swing. In a video message published via his social channels on the morning of his Milan appearance, Sinner expressed deep disappointment over his inability to defend his title at the China Open, stating that his knee had not reached the required competitive level.
When pressed by Wintour about his extended tournament absence and future schedule, Sinner maintained an optimistic outlook regarding his long-term recovery. Replying with humor about the duration of his layoff, he remarked that if he is not ready to compete by January, he will face a significant problem. He stopped short of providing a definitive date for his return to competition.
Upcoming Autumn Schedule Decisions
The ATP Tour features the Rolex Shanghai Masters, a Masters 1000 event, beginning on October 7, 2026. Tour observers are watching to see whether the world number one will attempt a comeback in Shanghai or target European indoor events later in the month, such as the Erste Bank Open in Vienna starting in late October. The lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia has surfaced as a potential pre-comeback option, though tournament organizers and Sinner's camp have confirmed no official entries or commitments regarding his exact return date.
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