Novak Djokovic Makes Feelings Known on Jannik Sinner Ending 2026 Season Early: “Smart Decision”

While the top players are gearing up for the ongoing Shanghai Masters, Jannik Sinner, a former champion here, has been forced to sit on the sidelines due to his knee injury. The Italian ace last played in the Wimbledon final.

Sinner beat Alexander Zverev in four sets and defended his title. He then skipped the Cincinnati Masters, the US Open, and the China Open, and eventually announced he would end his season. Djokovic understands Sinner’s situation well, as he has dealt with injury setbacks in his legendary career.

I haven’t spoken to Jannik since he got injured. I saw the news two days ago, and I’ll get in touch with him to see how he’s doing. I’m sure he and his team are making smart decisions. He’s been the best player in the world and a dominant force for the last few years alongside Carlos. Tennis misses him, but at the same time, he has to think long-term. I think that’s smart; it’s important to give yourself more years in your career because that way you have more opportunities to achieve all your goals.

Novak Djokovic said at the pre-tournament press conference in Shanghai (H/T: Punto de Break)

Sinner is guaranteed to lose his No.1 ranking. Zverev, the winner of this year’s French Open and the US Open, is set to become the newest Grand Slam champion.

As someone who has suffered significant injuries in his career, I know how difficult it is to make a comeback like that. If you’re off the tour for so long, you have to deal with more than you normally would, especially mentally. Physically, when you’re ready, you’re ready, but then there’s the mental aspect. You’re on the court thinking, ‘Am I really fully recovered and can I make this move?’

Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic faced the 25-year-old once this year, in the Australian Open semifinal, where he won in five sets, ending Sinner’s title defense. Nole later lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz.

Before his Wimbledon triumph, the five-time Grand Slam champion won five back-to-back Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome. Many believe Sinner would have avoided injury if he hadn’t played back-to-back Masters 1000 events.

But others blamed the packed schedule and think top players will skip Masters 1000 events in the future to avoid injury. Sinner’s arch-rival Alcaraz is planning to take long breaks and skip events in the future.

Novak Djokovic hungry for more success after his China Open win

Novak Djokovic loves competing in China. He has won seven titles in Beijing and four in Shanghai. His latest win (he received a walkover from Alex de Minaur in the China Open final) has only made him hungrier, as he looks to continue his winning ways at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season.

It was a phenomenal week for me, Beijing, the best week of this year, no doubt. I’m trying to build momentum on that here in Shanghai as well, use the confidence and hopefully have another great deep run in this tournament, another tournament in China where I’ve done very well in my career.

Novak Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference in Shanghai (H/T: ATP Tour)

The 39-year-old will face Hubert Hurkacz in the opening round. He holds a perfect 8-0 head-to-head record over the Pole.

Djokovic won the Shanghai title in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. He last reached the final in 2024 and lost it to Jannik Sinner. The former World No. 1 last won a Masters 1000 in Paris in 2023.

Also read: Andy Roddick Says Daniil Medvedev ‘Deserved to Be Defaulted’ After Novak Djokovic China Open Match