Why world No.1 Sinner cannot afford to skip the Asian swing despite his injury

Jannik Sinner has not played a match since lifting the Wimbledon trophy on July 12, and his absence from the US Open has now turned the next few weeks into a careful balancing act. The world No. 1 can return in Asia, where he has already experienced problems in difficult conditions, or wait for the indoor season and build towards the ATP Finals in Turin. Either route carries a cost, with Alexander Zverev waiting for an opportunity.Sinner's comeback could be delayed until ViennaSinner's last appearance came at Wimbledon on July 12, when he won the title, and more than two months have now passed without another competitive match.The Italian was forced to withdraw from the 2026 US Open before the tournament because of a right knee issue, which had also kept him out of the preceding North American hard-court events in Montreal and Cincinnati.