Key Takeaways
- Jannik Sinner decided on October 6 to skip the rest of the 2026 season, including the ATP Finals, to recover from knee troubles.
- Ivan Ljubicic noted that while Roger Federer knew his 2016 season was finished immediately in July, Sinner’s initial brief pause unexpectedly lengthened.
- Ljubicic stressed that Sinner must ensure he feels no discomfort upon returning and cited the 2027 Australian Open as an achievable target.
Prolonged knee issue forces Jannik Sinner off the court until 2027
Ivan Ljubicic has provided his perspective on Jannik Sinner’s choice to step away from tennis for the rest of 2026. The world No. 1 officially decided on October 6 to sit out the remainder of the year to address an ongoing knee issue, ruling himself out of defending his crown at the ATP Finals in Turin, which he had won during the previous two years. Sinner has not stepped onto the match court since his Wimbledon victory in July.
Reflecting on the decision, Ljubicic noted that navigating unexpected setbacks can be challenging for an athlete, especially when an initial pause stretches into an extended absence. Speaking to Sky Sport, Ljubicic stated, “Injuries are always tough to manage, especially when they drag on longer than expected. In Jannik’s case, I think what was initially supposed to be a short break turned into a more complicated situation than anticipated.”
Comparing the Italian’s pause to Federer’s 2016 recovery plan
Ljubicic drew a contrast between Sinner’s circumstances and Roger Federer’s extended recovery in 2016. Federer closed his campaign in July that season to nurse his knee, but his team had immediate clarity on the road ahead. The coach explained that “it’s different to know from the start that you’ll be sidelined for six months. I hope Jannik can get through this period in the best way possible.”
Recalling the Swiss player’s situation, Ljubicic remarked, “When Roger decided to stop in July 2016, we already knew his season was over. For Jannik, though, the situation is different.”
Prioritising pain-free health ahead of the Australian Open
Rather than pressing for a quick return at year-end events, Ljubicic emphasized that the primary goal must be a pain-free recovery. “The most important thing is that he resolves the issue and, when he returns, has no more discomfort. For a player, in fact, there’s nothing worse than getting back on the court and still feeling pain,” Ljubicic observed.
With roughly three months before the next campaign begins, the target shifts toward the Australian Open. Ljubicic concluded, “Stopping well in advance of next season, when there’s still at least three months until it starts, could help him recover fully and show up in Australia in top shape.” The success of Sinner’s absence will hinge on whether he can begin 2027 completely healed.
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Now ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 12th of July when he beat world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
During this season the Italian owns a 44-3 match record. The Italian clinched 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
