Jannik Sinner has confirmed he plans to return from injury at the Australian Open in January. The World No 2 has not played since July, when he defended his Wimbledon title, because of a knee injury. He recently lost the world No 1 ranking to Alexander Zverev.
Sinner won the Melbourne title in 2024 and 2025, but he was beaten by Novak Djokovic in this year’s semi-final.
“The goal is to return to Australia,” the 25-year-old said at a 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 and fellow players offered support
The five-time Grand Slam winner praised Brit Jack Draper, Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz for their support during his time out with injury.
Draper has ruled out a return before 2027. He has missed every Grand Slam this year and said he was in a “difficult place” after his first-round defeat by Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August. He admitted he was struggling to escape the mental fatigue that had built up during 15 months of battling serious injury.
“When I announced that my season was over, Berrettini and Draper got in touch straight away,” Sinner said. “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.”
Changes to his coaching team
Sinner was joined at the event by Darren Cahill, the coach he parted ways with last week after four years. Sweden’s Magnus Norman has joined Sinner’s coaching set-up.
“You have to ask yourself a lot of questions to get inside the mind of the player you’re coaching. That’s how you earn his trust,” Cahill said. “We’ve built and shaped an incredible team, but 99 per cent of what’s been achieved is down to him. He’s the one who goes out onto the court. Everyone else contributes the final 1 per cent, and that’s what makes the difference.”
Sinner described Cahill as a “second dad” and said the two will remain close friends. He added that former world No 2 Norman shares many similarities with the Australian.
“He worked with (Stan) Wawrinka for many years and has been through a lot,” Sinner said. “He accepts the way we are already working, which is important to me so that I don’t have to change everything all over again. I need to add one per cent each year to improve as a player.”
Cahill was not involved in the decision to hire Norman. “There’s a tweet I wrote back in 2013 about how Norman has the ability to improve every player he coaches,” he said. “It’s important that (coach) Simone Vagnozzi is there to provide continuity. I wasn’t involved in the selection process, but I believe it’s an excellent choice.”
Sinner praises Antonelli
Alongside details of his rehabilitation, Sinner congratulated fellow Italian Kimi Antonelli. 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,” Sinner said. “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.”