MILAN — Jannik Sinner is eagerly anticipating his comeback from injury at a December exhibition event, paving the way for the Australian Open. He believes this time away has transformed his perspective on the game of tennis.
Since clinching victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final back in July, Sinner has been sidelined due to a right knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Open.
Struggles with his knee have postponed the 25-year-old’s return, leading him to announce last month that he would be concluding his season early.
Recently, Zverev has ascended to the No. 1 ranking, a spot Sinner held for an impressive 95 weeks.
“My goal is to head to Australia, and I’m also considering participating in a couple of tournaments beforehand,” Sinner stated during a sponsor event in Milan on Tuesday. “However, I need to adhere to the necessary protocols, as rushing back could lead to more serious issues.”
“I’m aware that I must work hard daily towards that objective, and we’ll see where that takes me.”
One anticipated event on his calendar is the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition happening in Saudi Arabia, now rescheduled for late December due to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
“That’s the target, but we’re all conscious of the current situation, which is not ideal. This is a decision beyond us as players; it’s a broader concern,” Sinner expressed to The Associated Press.
“Nevertheless, considering I’ve been off the court since Wimbledon, playing a few matches prior to Australia could be extremely beneficial.”
The Six Kings Slam offers prize money but doesn’t contribute to ATP rankings. Notably, Sinner emerged victorious in its second edition last year.
‘I have a newfound appreciation for my achievements’
This injury hiatus marks the longest Sinner has been out of action. The five-time Grand Slam champion admits that it has been a challenging time, to the point that he has found it tough to watch tennis matches.
“These past months haven’t been simple—they continue to be difficult because I miss the thrill of competition, stepping onto the court, and doing what I love: playing tennis,” Sinner shared.
“At this crucial moment, prioritizing my health is essential as I aspire to continue playing for another 10 to 15 years. So if my return to the court is delayed by a month, it doesn’t significantly alter my long-term plans.”
Sinner is confident that his time away will shift his perspective on the sport upon his return.
“In the past, winning a tournament seemed like the most natural process—win one, then start again. Now, I genuinely value what I have accomplished,” the Italian noted.
“Despite my hardship, my ambition to win remains stronger than ever. The urge to lift a major trophy is incredible, and it’s the very essence of why we strive so hard. Previously, I took my success for granted; I hope to savor those feelings again … and perhaps enjoy it even more.”
When asked if he’s been using this time away to explore new interests or skills, Sinner replied.
“Unfortunately, my current phase has been quite challenging, as I find myself at home nearly all day, spending time on a racing simulator,” said Sinner, who is an avid motorsport enthusiast. “Afterward, I hit the gym, and as soon as I return, it’s straight back to the simulator.”
“I’ve always mentioned that you might see me behind the wheel of a race car in the future, but I’m eager to return to the court. This is the first time I feel a lack of control, which is quite unsettling.”
During his absence, Sinner has also made a significant change to his coaching staff.
Last week, he announced that Darren Cahill would be departing, and Magnus Norman, the former coach of Stan Wawrinka, will join his team starting next month, collaborating alongside Simone Vagnozzi.
“Magnus is quite similar to Darren, though each person has their own unique style,” Sinner explained. “He’s someone who is on the same wavelength as us. That’s vital because we shouldn’t overhaul everything; instead, we should focus on making those incremental improvements each year to grow as a player.”
“What I’ll genuinely miss about Darren is the personal connection. We connected right from the start, and over time he became like a second father to me. In tough moments, he was always one of the first people I reached out to.”
Cahill joined Sinner’s team in June 2022 and played a crucial role in helping him secure five Grand Slam titles and reach the No. 1 ranking.
His initial plan was to step back after the 2025 season.
Cahill, who was also present at the Milan event alongside Sinner, emphasized that he had posted on social media back in 2013 about Norman’s ability to enhance every player he coaches.
“It’s essential that they have fresh air… So, no, I won’t be shadowing Jannik during this period,” Cahill stated. “It’s also important for me to respect Magnus, allowing him to establish his place within the team and create his own experiences.”
“I wasn’t involved in Jannik’s decision-making process for choosing his new coach; that was entirely his call. When he informed me of his choice, I wholeheartedly supported it. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
