Jannik Sinner found Novak Djokovic at his side after a heartbreaking injury

Jannik Sinner may be off the tennis court for the rest of 2026, but the world number one isn’t waiting for his latest setback alone. Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, has offered the Italian a message of support and plans to reach out to him after his season was cut short by a knee injury.

Sinner announced Tuesday that he will miss the rest of the year with 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 due to a right knee injury.

Djokovic revealed at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday that he had not yet spoken to Sinner but intended to connect with him.

“I haven’t been in touch with Jannik since he got injured, I only saw the news two days ago. So I’m going to contact him to see how he’s doing,” Djokovic said. “As someone who has been through some serious injuries in my career.

DJOKOVIC UNDERSTANDS 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 due to lingering pain in his right elbow before surgery.

“I had surgery and it was the only major surgery I’ve had,” the 24-time major champion said. “So I’m aware of how difficult this comeback is.

For Djokovic, returning after a long layoff due to injury is not just about regaining physical condition. There is also an emotional and mental battle that begins as soon as a player steps back onto the court.

“Then it’s mental, you know. You’re on the court thinking. Am I really fully healed and free to run?” said Djokovic, who recently won the China Open for his 102nd career title.

“I think for him, if it’s the knee. Obviously it affects everything, it affects every single movement.”

Sinner’s decision means he will miss the Shanghai Masters, Paris Masters and ATP Finals. He will also not be available for Italy in the Davis Cup Final 8. His absence in Paris means he will not be able to defend the 1,000 ranking points he gained by winning the tournament last year.

TENNIS MISTAKES #1

As Sinner begins to recover away from the spotlight, Djokovic quickly moved on to his next challenge. He comes to Shanghai after winning the China Open, where he won his seventh title in Beijing and his 102nd ATP singles trophy. The win also extended his remarkable record of winning at least one tour title to 21 consecutive seasons.

Djokovic will now take on Hubert Hurkacz in the second round in Shanghai.

But before Djokovic fully focused on his own campaign, he had a message for the player currently at the pinnacle of the sport.

“You know for sure tennis misses him,” Djokovic said.

For Sinner, the road back can be long. But as he begins that journey, one of tennis’ most seasoned voices is on hand to remind him that he doesn’t have to walk it alone.

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