Jannik Sinner has confirmed he plans to compete at the Australian Open in January.
The Italian has not played since defending his Wimbledon title in July due to a knee injury.
Sinner, who has lost his world number one spot to Alexander Zverev, won the Melbourne title in 2024 and 2025 but was beaten by Novak Djokovic in this year’s semi-final.
“The goal is to return to Australia,” the 25-year-old said at press conference in Milan.
“Maybe play a few tournaments earlier. But I have to take everything one step after the other every day towards the goal because if we hurry then maybe it will be worse. But yes, the goal is Australia”
‘Draper understands me well’
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Annabel Croft and Ryan Harrison say they feel for Jack Draper as he battles ongoing injury setbacks, with the Brit struggling to build consistency and put together a sustained run of matches on court
The five-time Grand Slam winner also lauded Brit Jack Draper alongside Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz for his support during his period out with injury.
Draper himself has ruled out returning before 2027 after missing every Grand Slam this year, and said he was in a “difficult place” after his first-round defeat by Martin Landaluce in the Cincinnati Open in August, admitting he was struggling to escape the mental fatigue that had built up during 15 months of battling serious injury.
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British tennis player Liam Broady said it’s a blow to the game after Jannik Sinner announced his 2026 season is over through injury
“When I announced that my season was over, Berrettini and Draper got in touch straight away,” Sinner added. “Jack is also going through a difficult period, so he understands what I’m going through.
“Alcaraz had sent me a message, just as I message him. I really appreciated it.
“We are trying to find a way out of this situation and working towards experiencing those emotions again.
“For me, tennis is not a job. I continue to play because I enjoy it.”
Sinner: Antonelli’s title win moved me
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How Kimi Antonelli’s Drivers’ Championship sounded with Italian commentary!
Alongside detailing his rehabilitation process, Sinner extended his congratulations to fellow Italian Kimi Antonelli after the 20-year-old became the youngest ever Formula 1 World Champion after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“Motorsport is the only sport I watch that gets me excited. When I watch MotoGP and Formula 1, it gives me an incredible boost.
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Martin Brundle says the highest praise for Kimi Antonelli was from his peers, who said he ‘deserves it’ in relentless title win
“Kimi has done something incredible. He’s learned so much this year, and what he’s done moves me deeply.
“He’s a completely normal, very laid-back guy, and this shows the most normal side of a 20-year-old, which is what we have most in common.”
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