Jannik Sinner Targets Saudi Exhibition Return Ahead of Australian Open

Jannik Sinner is planning to make his comeback from injury at an exhibition tournament in late December as he prepares for the Australian Open. The Italian player has been sidelined since July after defeating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final.

Sinner withdrew from the U.S. Open due to a right knee injury that delayed his return to competition. He announced last month that his season was over because of ongoing issues with the knee.

During a sponsor event in Milan, Sinner said, "The aim is to go to Australia, maybe play a couple of tournaments first. But I have to respect the protocols at the moment because rushing could cause more serious problems." He added that he’s working hard daily towards his goal but must be patient.

Exhibition in Saudi Arabia Set as Key Preparation

One of the tournaments under consideration is the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, which was postponed until late December due to conflict in the Middle East. Sinner commented on the situation, saying, "That is the target, but we all know the current situation is not the best. This decision is not ours, but a broader one. Still, some matches before Australia would be very helpful since I haven't played since Wimbledon."

The Six Kings Slam offers prize money but no ATP ranking points. Sinner won its second edition last year.

Reflection and New Perspective During Injury

This injury has been Sinner's longest break from tennis. The five-time Grand Slam champion admitted it has been tough, to the point where he hasn’t watched much tennis during this time.

He shared, "These months haven’t been easy because I miss competing, stepping on court, doing what I love: playing tennis. But now, taking care of my body is the most important thing if I want to keep playing for another 10 or 15 years. Returning a month later doesn’t change much from that perspective."

Sinner believes his view of the sport has shifted. "Before, it felt normal to win tournaments one after another. Now, I truly appreciate what I’ve achieved. My desire to win is even stronger; the urge to lift a major trophy is what we work hardest for. I used to take it for granted, but I hope to enjoy those emotions again even more."

Time Away Filled with Racing Simulators and Gym

Asked if he had taken up new skills during the downtime, Sinner replied, "Unfortunately, it’s been tough. I spend most of my day on a racing simulator because I'm a big motorsport fan, then I head to the gym, and back to the simulator. I’ve always said that maybe in the future you’ll see me behind the wheel of a race car. Right now, I want to get back on the tennis court. This lack of control is strange and I don’t like it."

Coaching Change During Recovery

While off the court, Sinner made a significant change to his coaching team. He announced last week that Darren Cahill will be leaving, with Magnus Norman joining the staff starting next month alongside Simone Vagnozzi.

Sinner described Norman as "Someone very similar to Darren, who accepts how we already work. It’s important not to change everything but focus on small improvements each year to keep growing."

He also reflected on Cahill’s personal impact: "I’ll miss the personal side the most. Darren was almost like a second father to me and was always one of the first people I called during tough times."

Cahill joined Sinner’s team in June 2022 and helped him win five Grand Slam titles and reach No. 1 in the rankings. Cahill planned to step away after the 2025 season.

At the Milan event, Cahill praised Norman, recalling a social media post from 2013 saying Norman improves every player he coaches. Cahill stated, "It’s important they have some fresh air. I won’t be lurking around Jannik during this period out of respect for Magnus. Jannik chose Magnus himself, and I couldn’t be happier for him."