Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Jannik Sinner may be away from the tennis court for the rest of 2026, but the World No.1 is not facing his latest setback alone. Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, has offered a message of support to the Italian and plans to reach out to him after his season was cut short by a knee injury.
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Sinner announced on Tuesday that he would miss the remainder of the year because of knee inflammation. The five-time Grand Slam champion has not played since July, when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final to successfully defend his title. He subsequently withdrew from the US Open because of a right knee injury.
Djokovic, speaking at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday, revealed that he had not yet spoken to Sinner but intended to get in touch.
“I haven’t been in touch with Jannik since he got injured, I just saw the news two days ago. So I’ll reach out to him to see how he’s doing,” Djokovic said. “As someone that has been through some major injuries in my career.”
DJOKOVIC UNDERSTANDS THE PAIN
Djokovic knows that an injury can test much more than a player’s body. The now 39-year-old had to sit out the second half of the 2017 season because of persistent pain in his right elbow before undergoing surgery.
“I had a surgery, and it was the only big surgery that I had,” the 24-time major champion said. “So I’m aware of how difficult that is making that comeback.”
For Djokovic, returning from a long injury layoff is not simply about regaining physical fitness. There is also an emotional and mental battle that begins once a player steps back onto the court.
“Then it’s mental, you know. You’re on the court and you’re thinking. Am I really completely healed and free to make this run?” said Djokovic, who recently won the China Open for his 102nd career title.
“I mean for him if it’s a knee. Obviously it’s affecting everything, it’s affecting every single movement.”
Sinner’s decision means he will miss the Shanghai Masters, the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. He will also be unavailable for Italy at the Davis Cup Final 8. His absence from Paris means he will not defend the 1,000 ranking points he earned by winning the tournament last year.
TENNIS MISSES NO.1
While Sinner begins his recovery away from the spotlight, Djokovic has quickly moved on to his next challenge. He arrives in Shanghai after winning the China Open, where he claimed his seventh title in Beijing and his 102nd ATP singles trophy. The victory also extended his remarkable record of winning at least one tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons.
Djokovic will now compete in Shanghai, where he faces Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.
But before turning his full attention to his own campaign, Djokovic had a message for the player currently at the top of the sport.
“You know for sure that tennis misses him,” Djokovic said.
For Sinner, the road back may be long. But as he begins that journey, one of tennis’ most experienced voices is ready to remind him that he does not have to walk it alone.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
