Jannik Sinner nears return at Shanghai Masters after three-month knee injury layoff
World number one Jannik Sinner is considering a competitive return at the Shanghai Masters following a right knee inflammation that sidelined him since July 2026.
Medical recovery and tournament preparations
World number one Jannik Sinner is preparing for a potential competitive return at the Shanghai Masters 1000 following an extended layoff. The Italian player has resumed intensive training sessions in Monte Carlo, testing his right knee under match conditions without reported physical setbacks. Medical assessments reported by Sky indicate that the extra-articular tendinous inflammation in his right knee is clinically healed. Specialist Andrea Bernetti, a professor of physical and rehabilitative medicine at the University of Salento, noted that Sinner's symptoms aligned with iliotibial band syndrome, commonly called runner's knee. Bernetti described how the condition develops during high-intensity sports that require constant lateral movements and rapid braking.
When the movement is repeated thousands of times at very high intensity, as happens running a marathon or making continuous changes of direction on a tennis court, continuous friction can be created and this causes degeneration, inflammation and pain.
Competitive timeline and tournament schedule
Sinner has not competed on the ATP Tour since the Wimbledon final on 12 July 2026. The recurring joint problem prompted him to withdraw from events in Montreal, Cincinnati, and the US Open in New York. He subsequently opted out of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing to prioritize full physical recovery and avoid potential complications. At the time of his withdrawal from the Chinese capital, Sinner explained the decision directly.
My knee is not yet in the condition I would like it to be and I am not yet ready to compete.
The Shanghai Masters, scheduled from 6 October to 18 October 2026, serves as the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the calendar year. A decision regarding his travel to China is expected within hours as the main draw approaches.
- Sinner plays his last competitive match in the Wimbledon final
- Sinner skips North American hard-court tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati
- Sinner withdraws from the US Open and the China Open in Beijing
- Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament begins in China
Italian national lineup during Sinner's absence
The Italian men's tennis circuit experienced mixed outcomes across several tour stops while Sinner underwent rehabilitation. Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from the ATP event in Tokyo after sustaining a minor fracture to the ring finger of his right hand. Flavio Cobolli entered the ATP top ten but experienced several singles defeats, competing recently in doubles at the Laver Cup while targeting qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin. Lorenzo Sonego recorded a victory in China, whereas Matteo Berrettini posted fluctuating tournament results across the hard-court swing. Sinner's return is viewed among Italian officials as a stabilizer for the national contingent ahead of the season's concluding indoor events.
Tour dynamics and player reactions
Sinner faces direct competition for the top ranking upon his return, with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev remaining in contention. Australian player Nick Kyrgios commented publicly on Sinner's development, noting technical progress despite earlier exchanges regarding the Italian's previous Clostebol anti-doping controversy.
He is one of the best ball-strikers tennis has ever seen, and now he has also improved his serve and volley a lot. In time he will become one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Conservative treatments for iliotibial band injuries, including targeted pelvic muscle stabilization, physical therapy, and ultrasound-guided procedures, allow players to bypass surgical intervention. Sinner's final choice on entering the Shanghai draw hinges on how his body responds to sustained match workloads and travel.
