‘I’m aware of how difficult it is’ – Djokovic warns Sinner about ‘mental’ toll of injury lay-off
Video credit: SNTV
Victory in SW19 marked Sinner’s second successive Wimbledon triumph as the Italian impressively defended his crown to claim a fifth Grand Slam.
However, Sinner hasn’t played since his summer win in SW19, with the World No. 1 sitting out the entire North American hard-court swing.
The 25-year-old withdrew from the Shanghai Masters last week, while he also played no part in the 2026 China Open owing to the problem that prematurely ended his season.”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,” Sinner said in a video posted on Instagram.
“The last couple of years, especially the ending in Turin, gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions. This year is going to be way different. But at the moment I also need to think about my long-term career.
“I will do everything possible to get back to 100%. I thank you already in advance for your support, and hope to see you very, very soon on the court.”
Highlights: Sinner defends Wimbledon crown with victory over Zverev
Video credit: SNTV
And Novak Djokovic, fresh from his 2026 China Open walkover win over Alex de Minaur, was asked about Sinner and how this type of injury can define a career.
“I haven’t been in touch with Jannik [Sinner] since he got injured,” Djokovic said.
“I saw the news two days ago. I’ll reach out to him to see how he’s doing,” Djokovic said in his pre-Shanghai Masters press conference.
“I don’t know what it is, really. If somebody says it’s a knee… I’m not sure exactly. But as someone that has been through some major injuries in my career, one particularly that took me out for six, seven months was the elbow back in 2017. I had a surgery, and the only big surgery that I had, really.
“So, I’m aware of how difficult that is and making that comeback. If you’re away from the tour for so long, to make a comeback, you have to deal with more things than you normally have to deal with. Particularly mentally, on the mental side.
“Of course, physically, if you’re ready, you’re ready. You’re evaluating that with your team constantly, and you then come back to play at the highest level when you get the green light to be able to compete.
“But then it’s mental. You’re on the court, and you’re thinking, am I really completely healed and free to make this run. I mean, for him, if it’s a knee, obviously it’s affecting everything. It’s affecting every single movement.
“So, yeah, I’m sure that he with his team is making wise choices. And, he’s been the best player in the world, and he’s been a dominant force for the last couple of years, along with Carlos [Alcaraz]. For sure, tennis misses him.
“But at the same time, he has to think long-term. And this is what I think I saw that he said, that he’s thinking long-term. That’s smart because, as someone that is, that was always advised and always tried to have the big picture in my mind, I really support that kind of thinking and mindset.
“It’s important that you give yourself more years to your career, so you have more chances to accomplish all of your objectives.”
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