Jannik Sinner targets late-December comeback, keeps Australian Open 2027 in focus

Jannik Sinner (Image: REUTERS)

Jannik Sinner is targeting a return to competitive tennis in late December as he steps up his recovery from a persistent knee injury, with the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia emerging as a possible first stop ahead of the 2027 Australian Open.The Italian, who has been sidelined since winning the Wimbledon title in July, offered an update on his recovery at a event in Milan on Tuesday. While he is keen to return to the court before the new season, Sinner made it clear that he will not rush the process at the risk of aggravating his injury."The aim is to go to Australia, the aim is also maybe to do a couple of tournaments first. But I have to respect the protocols at the moment because if we rush things we could have more serious problems," Sinner said."I also only have that information, that I have to work hard every day for that objective and then we'll see."

Six Kings Slam could mark Sinner's return

The rescheduled Six Kings Slam in Riyadh is among the events Sinner is targeting as he looks to regain match fitness before the Australian Open. The exhibition tournament, which was initially scheduled for October, has been moved to December 27-30 amid security concerns in the Middle East. Sinner acknowledged that the event remains a possibility rather than a certainty, with the wider situation in the region also playing a part in the decision.

"That (is the target) but we all know the situation what's there at the moment, which is not the best, so this is not our decision as players, this is a more general decision," he said.The Italian added that playing some matches before travelling to Australia could be beneficial, given that he has not competed since Wimbledon."But I think if we want to prepare for Australia (and) I'm not playing since Wimbledon, some matches before might be very helpful," he added.The Six Kings Slam does not offer ATP ranking points but brings together some of the biggest names in men's tennis. Sinner won the previous edition and is expected to feature alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.

Knee injury ended Sinner's 2026 season early

Sinner's last appearance came in the Wimbledon final in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev to claim the fifth Grand Slam title of his career. However, a right knee problem subsequently forced him to miss several tournaments, including the US Open.The prolonged recovery eventually led the 25-year-old to announce in October that he would not compete again in the 2026 ATP season. His extended absence also saw him lose the world No. 1 ranking, with Zverev taking over the top spot last week after Sinner's 95-week reign.Sinner has reiterated that his priority is to return fully fit rather than risk a setback by making an early comeback. With the Australian Open scheduled for January, the late-December target could offer him an opportunity to get valuable match practice before the first Grand Slam of 2027.