Jannik Sinner says the Australian Open remains his goal as he recovers from the knee injury that ended his 2026 season, with the Italian set to return at an exhibition in Riyadh in late December.
“The goal is to go to Australia; I hope to get there and perhaps play a few tournaments beforehand,” Sinner told a press conference in Milan on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
“Right now, I need to follow the protocols without rushing things. I have a lot of faith in the process, and I’m working toward that objective.”
“Initially, we had an impossible goal for my return in mind, so we took a different path. I’m a tennis player, not a doctor, so my only option is to trust them,” he added.
Six Kings Slam comeback
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Organisers of the rescheduled Six Kings Slam have confirmed Sinner will play the exhibition in December, Sports Illustrated reported, giving him a chance to return before the year ends. AP reported the comeback is planned for late December.
The 25-year-old has not played since winning Wimbledon in July, his fifth Grand Slam title. He announced on 6 October that he and his doctors had decided on “a course of treatment for my knee”, which ruled him out of Vienna, the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, where he is a two-time defending champion.
“I miss playing tennis. Right now, however, it is crucial that I take care of my body, because I want to keep playing for another 10 to 15 years,” Sinner said.
Cahill out, Norman in
Sinner was joined at the Milan event by Darren Cahill, the Australian coach he parted ways with last week after four years, according to Reuters. Sweden’s Magnus Norman, a former world No.2, has joined his coaching team.
Sinner described Cahill as a “second dad” and said the pair would remain close friends.
“He worked with (Stan) Wawrinka for many years and has been through a lot,” Sinner said of Norman. “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.”
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