Jannik Sinner: World number one ends season early with knee injury
World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has announced he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season to treat a persistent right knee injury. The decision effectively ends his title defense campaign and is expected to result in Alexander Zverev taking the top ranking.
Why it matters
Sinner's absence significantly alters the landscape of professional tennis for the remainder of the year, impacting major tournament outcomes and world rankings.
Image source, Getty Images By Amy Lofthouse BBC Sport senior journalist Published 6 October 2026, 10:06 BST World number one Jannik Sinner will not play again in 2026 because of an ongoing right knee injury.
The Italian has not played competitively since defending his Wimbledon title in July.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Sinner said he "needed to think about my long-term career" when deciding to end his season early.
"Me together with the doctors have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee," the 25-year-old said in an Instagram video.
"The last couple of years gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions, which this year is going to be way different.
"I will do everything possible to get back 100%."
Sinner was the dominant player for much of the year, winning 44 and losing just three of his singles matches.
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