Jannik Sinner is continuing physical therapy for an iliotibial band inflammation in his right knee while targeting a return to competitive action at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting on December 27, 2026, according to RaiNews. The world number one has been sidelined from official competition since July 12, 2026, when he defeated Alexander Zverev to capture his second Wimbledon title, finishing that stretch with 47 victories and just 3 losses, as reported by d la Repubblica. While Sinner prepares to return following the rescheduling of the Riyadh event due to regional tensions in the Gulf, his medical history and movement mechanics have drawn fresh scrutiny from specialists who worked with him during his formative years at Riccardo Piatti’s academy.
Chiropractor Alfio Caronti Connects Sinner Knee Pain to Childhood Fall
Alfio Caronti, a chiropractor who previously treated skiers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni alongside tennis player Milos Raonic, stated in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that Sinner’s current knee issue may stem from an incident in early childhood. Caronti, who followed Jannik when he was very young, recalled that the player’s issues could have their roots even in his childhood.
“When we are unbalanced, when the body is not in equilibrium, this co-contraction activates automatically,” Caronti told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The muscles prepare to protect us from a possible fall. Caronti noted that if the body loses confidence in a support, it tends to protect and stiffen itself, pointing out that it is necessary to fully recover the security of the right leg.”
Unusual Mechanics and Early Postural Interventions
To maintain that precise physical alignment during his teenage years, Sinner underwent specific preventative procedures. Caronti revealed that at age 17, before any symptoms manifested, medical staff advised the removal of Sinner’s wisdom teeth to eliminate potential postural imbalances originating from the jaw. Between the ages of 13 and 19, Sinner also performed barefoot training exercises using a wooden stick and adjusted his racket string bed by inserting small pieces of fabric into the grommets to minimize muscle inhibition caused by equipment contact.
Coaching Staff Changes and Upcoming Return Timeline
Alongside his rehabilitation, Sinner faces significant shifts within his coaching setup. According to The Times and RaiNews, 61-year-old Australian coach Darren Cahill is expected to retire from the touring circuit, bringing an end to a partnership that began in the summer of 2022. Sinner has reportedly selected 50-year-old Swedish coach Magnus Norman—former mentor to Stan Wawrinka and Robin Söderling—to join Simone Vagnozzi on his coaching team.
The transition coincides with Sinner’s confirmed absence from Italy’s Davis Cup Final Eight squad in Bologna, where captain Filippo Volandri selected Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, Luciano Darderi, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori for the November 24–29 tournament. Alexander Zverev can surpass Sinner for the ATP singles ranking top spot if the German reaches the quarterfinals at the Vienna Open. Sinner’s competitive comeback is officially slated for the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, running from December 27, 2026.
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