Jannik Sinner Hopes to Make Australian Open Return as Knee Recovery Leaves Him Feeling Powerless

Jannik Sinner says he is working toward returning for the Australian Open while recovering from a troublesome right-knee problem that has kept him away from competition. The Italian, who has not played since winning Wimbledon in the summer, said the injury and uncertainty around his recovery have been difficult to manage. Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Sinner said he was following the treatment plan set by his medical team and had faith in the doctors helping him. He described this as the first time he had felt he lacked control over what was happening, adding that accepting the situation was necessary if he was to come back stronger. The Australian Open begins in January, and Sinner said his goal was to be ready for Melbourne. He also hoped he might play a tournament beforehand, but stressed that he would respect medical advice and recovery timelines rather than rush back. He won the Melbourne title in 2024 and 2025, and was beaten by Novak Djokovic in this year’s semi-final. Sinner said the months away from tennis had been hard because he missed competing and giving his all on court. For now, he said, taking care of his body mattered most, as he hoped to keep playing for another 10 or 15 years. He added that tennis was not simply a job for him: he continued because he enjoyed it. He also thanked fellow players Matteo Berrettini, Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz for reaching out during his absence. Sinner said Berrettini and Draper contacted him soon after he announced his season was over, while Alcaraz had sent him a message too. He noted that Draper was also dealing with a difficult period and understood what an injury layoff could feel like.