Sinner aims for Australian Open return as knee recovery continues
The Italian could play a Saudi exhibition before Melbourne, while Australian coach Darren Cahill has departed after four years.
Jannik Sinner is working towards a return at January's Australian Open, with his recovery from a right knee injury still subject to medical protocols. The two-time Melbourne champion has been absent from competition since his Wimbledon triumph in July.
At a press conference in Milan, Sinner said he would like to contest some events before Australia. He said an initial comeback target had been unrealistic and warned that accelerating his recovery could cause more serious problems.
His likely starting point is the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition scheduled for late December in Saudi Arabia. Conflict in the Middle East forced the Riyadh event's postponement, and Sinner said players could not determine whether it would proceed.
Alexander Zverev has taken over the top ranking during Sinner's absence, following the Italian's 95 weeks as number one. The 25-year-old collected his fifth grand slam singles crown at Wimbledon, having won his first at the Australian Open in 2024.
Sinner will also have a changed coaching team. Australian Darren Cahill has stepped down after four years, with Sweden's Magnus Norman joining. Cahill supported the appointment but said he was not involved in the selection. Sinner said he valued Norman's acceptance of the team's existing methods.
