'I need treatment': Jannik Sinner ends 2026 season due to persistent knee injury

Italy tennis player Jannik Sinner (Image: REUTERS)

Jannik Sinner’s 2026 season has come to an abrupt end, with the Italian tennis star confirming on Tuesday that he will not return to competitive action this year as he undergoes treatment for a persistent knee injury.The World No.1 has been dealing with the problem since July and has not played since winning the Wimbledon title. He subsequently missed the US Open and the North American and Asian hard-court swings. Sinner confirmed his decision on social media, saying he had made the call after consulting with his doctors.

Sinner prioritises long-term career

“Hello everyone. I would like to give you a little update. Me together with the doctors have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee, which means that the 2026 season is officially over.

The last couple of years, especially the ending in Turin, gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions, which this year is going to be way different, but at the moment I also need to think about my long-term career, so I will do everything possible to get back to 100%.

I will thank you already in advance for your support, and hope to see you very, very soon on court again. Ciao, ciao,” he said.

Five Masters 1000 titles highlight stellar season

Before the injury setback, Sinner had enjoyed one of the most dominant stretches of his career.

He won five consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome, completing the Career Golden Masters in the process.The Italian also extended his dominance at the Nitto ATP Finals, where he entered the season as the two-time reigning champion. Sinner's remarkable run included a 30-match winning streak, which came to an end in the second round of the French Open when he lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Wimbledon triumph his final appearance

Sinner bounced back from the Roland Garros setback in emphatic fashion, winning Wimbledon and claiming his first title at the grass-court Grand Slam. He defeated Alexander Zverev in the final to lift the trophy, which turned out to be his final appearance of the 2026 season.Earlier in the year, Sinner had also reached the Australian Open semi-finals, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic.