Jannik Sinner: World No 2 confirms aim to return to tennis at Australian Open after lengthy absence with knee injury

Jannik Sinner has confirmed he plans to compete at the Australian Open in January.

The Italian has not played since defending his Wimbledon title in July due to a knee injury.

Sinner, who has lost his world No 1 spot to Alexander Zverev, won the Melbourne title in 2024 and 2025 but was beaten by Novak Djokovic in this year's semi-final.

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"The goal is to return to Australia," the 25-year-old said at 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 understands me well'

The five-time Grand Slam winner also lauded Brit Jack Draper alongside Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz for his support during his period out with injury.

Draper himself has ruled out returning before 2027 after missing every Grand Slam this year, and said he was in a "difficult place" after his first-round defeat by Martin Landaluce in the Cincinnati Open in August, admitting 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 added. "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."

Cahill on Norman appointment

Sinner was joined at the event by Darren Cahill, the coach whom 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 said Cahill was like a "second ​dad" and that the two will remain close friends, adding that former world No 2 Norman shared 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: Antonelli's title win moved me

Alongside detailing his rehabilitation process, Sinner extended his congratulations to fellow Italian Kimi Antonelli after 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.

"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."

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