Speaking at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday, Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty of navigating a lengthy recovery process. Having navigated his own significant health challenges throughout a decorated career, the 24-time major champion noted that he plans to check in on the Italian to offer his support as he begins his rehabilitation.
The Challenges of Returning from Injury
Djokovic, who recently secured his 102nd career title at the China Open, reflected on his own experience with a major injury in 2017. At that time, the Serbian star opted to sit out the remainder of the season to address acute pain in his right elbow, eventually undergoing surgery. He emphasized that the hurdle for an athlete is not merely physical, but also psychological.
The 39-year-old explained that when a player returns to the court, there is often an underlying concern regarding whether the injury has fully healed. He noted that for a player like Sinner, who is dealing with a knee issue, the injury impacts every movement on the court, making the recovery process particularly demanding. Djokovic added that the tennis world will certainly feel the absence of the top-ranked star for the remainder of the calendar year.
Impact on the ATP Tour and Rankings
Sinner’s withdrawal means he will miss several high-profile events, including the Shanghai Masters, the Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals. Additionally, he will be unable to represent Italy in the Davis Cup Final 8, where the nation was aiming to defend its title. The absence of the Italian will have a direct impact on the
Alexander Zverev, currently ranked number two, is widely expected to overtake Sinner for the top spot. Zverev, who has enjoyed a successful season with titles at the French Open and the US Open, remains focused on his own objectives. Speaking to ATP Media, the German acknowledged the shift in the rankings but maintained that his primary motivation remains his own performance and goals for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, who also faced a lengthy layoff earlier this year due to a right wrist injury, continues his campaign in Shanghai following a recent victory at the Japan Open.
