Sinner Eyes December Comeback in Saudi Exhibition as Australian Open Preparation Begins

A Comeback Plan Takes Shape

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner has set his sights on a return to competition at an exhibition event in late December, with the Australian Open in January as his longer-term goal. The Italian spoke at a sponsor event in Milan on Tuesday, where he outlined a cautious approach shaped by a stretch of physical setbacks that has kept him off the court since midsummer.

Sinner last competed when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final in July. A right knee problem then forced him to skip the U.S. Open, and lingering symptoms pushed back his planned return. Last month he confirmed that his 2026 season was over, a decision that came amid concerns about his fitness.

The Saudi Exhibition and the Road to Melbourne

The event he has in mind is the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, which was moved to late December because of the conflict in the Middle East. The tournament pays prize money but does not award ATP ranking points, and Sinner won its previous edition last year. He stressed that the scheduling was not a choice made by players alone, describing it as a broader decision shaped by the regional situation.

He also said that a few competitive matches before Melbourne would help him gauge his form after such a long absence. Still, he was clear that medical guidance takes priority. Rushing back, he warned, could lead to far more serious problems, so he is working daily toward the goal while leaving the timetable open.

A Layoff Unlike Any Before

The break is the longest of Sinner’s career. The five-time Grand Slam champion admitted that the months away have been hard, mainly because he misses competing and the simple joy of playing. He has also found it difficult to follow the sport closely, and said he has not watched much tennis during this period.

He framed the wait as an investment. Sinner said he hopes to play for another decade or more, so a few extra weeks of recovery matter little in the bigger picture. He added that he expects his perspective to change once he is back on court, saying he now values what he has achieved more deeply, and that his hunger for another major title has grown stronger.

Filling the Hours

Asked whether he had used the downtime to learn something new, Sinner said his days have largely been spent at home. He has been spending long hours on a racing simulator, a pursuit that reflects his strong interest in motorsport, before heading to the gym. He has joked in the past that fans might one day see him behind the wheel of a race car, but for now his focus remains firmly on tennis. Being sidelined, he said, is an unfamiliar feeling that he does not enjoy.

Background

Sinner’s return comes at a time when the rankings have shifted. Zverev recently moved into the No. 1 position that Sinner had held for 95 weeks. Sinner’s next steps will be watched closely, as his preparation for the Australian Open will determine how quickly he can challenge for top honours again.