Jannik Sinner targets ATP 500 Beijing to return as Zverev closes in on No 1

Jannik Sinner’s return to the ATP Tour is looming as the Italian world No. 1 eyes a critical comeback amid a tightening battle with Alexander Zverev for the year-end top ranking. After successfully defending his Wimbledon crown in July, Sinner’s momentum was abruptly halted by a knee injury that forced him to miss key tournaments including the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open.

During Sinner’s absence, Zverev capitalized spectacularly, clinching the US Open title and narrowing the ATP rankings gap to just 1,810 points behind the 25-year-old. Remarkably, Zverev now leads the ATP Race to the Finals by 700 points, intensifying the pressure on Sinner to reclaim his dominance before the season closes.

Despite the escalating rivalry, Sinner will not feature in Europe’s Laver Cup lineup from September 25-27, where Zverev and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz will represent Team Europe. This omission has fueled speculation about Sinner’s recovery timeline.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Sinner has completed three weeks of focused treatment for an inflamed tendon at J Medical in Turin and is progressing toward resuming training. His immediate target is to compete at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, set to begin September 30. Sinner’s prior triumph in Beijing, where he decisively defeated Learner Tien in last year’s final, sets high expectations for his return.

Nonetheless, full recovery remains Sinner’s priority, with a potential comeback at the Shanghai Masters starting October 7 also on the horizon. The ATP Tour recently confirmed Sinner’s entry to defend his ATP 500 title in Vienna from October 24 to November 1. If he competes, Sinner aims to join an elite group by claiming a third Vienna crown, an achievement only former world No. 3 Brian Gottfried has surpassed with four titles.

Sinner boasts a commanding 17-4 win-loss record in Vienna and will likely face stiff competition from former champions including Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. The stakes could not be higher: a showdown with Zverev in Vienna would escalate their gripping rivalry, recalling their intense three-set final in 2025 where Sinner edged out Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

With the looming battles and the No. 1 ranking race heating up, Sinner’s comeback could redefine the closing chapter of the ATP season—and the tennis world will be watching every move.