Sinner's Return Delayed: Pulls Out of Shanghai Masters
Listen to the story
Jannik Sinner's long-awaited return to professional tennis has been delayed once more, after the Italian star announced his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters. The tournament, one of the sport's prestigious Masters 1000 events, had been seen as a possible comeback point for the world-class player. His absence now also casts doubt over his participation in the Six Kings Slam, a lucrative exhibition tournament he had been expected to join.
Speculation surrounding Sinner's condition intensified after a photograph emerged showing him with a fan near an orthopedic clinic in Lyon, France. Such clinics specialize in treating injuries related to bones, joints and muscles, and the image quickly triggered concern among Italian media and supporters, with some outlets describing the reaction as a kind of collective anxiety, or psychosis, over the player's health.
No official statement has clarified the purpose of Sinner's visit to the clinic, leaving fans and journalists to rely on speculation rather than confirmed information. This uncertainty has only deepened questions about the nature and severity of whatever issue may be affecting him, as well as the likely timeline for his eventual return to competitive matches.
Sinner, who has been one of the dominant figures in men's tennis in recent seasons, has already missed several tournaments this year amid ongoing concerns about his fitness. His continued absence from major events raises broader questions about his readiness to compete at the highest level and how it might affect his position in the ATP rankings.
With both the Shanghai Masters and the Six Kings Slam now in jeopardy, attention has turned to upcoming tournaments where Sinner might finally make his comeback. Until an official update is provided by his team, fans worldwide will continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for clarity on both his health and his plans for the remainder of the season.
Vocabulary7 words
- withdrawal
- the act of pulling out of an event
- Masters 1000
- one of the most important tennis tournament levels
- orthopedic clinic
- a place that treats bone and joint problems
- psychosis
- here, extreme and widespread worry
- speculation
- forming opinions without full facts
- exhibition tournament
- a non-ranking event mainly for show or money
- fitness
- physical readiness to perform in sport
Quiz
Answer key
1. A Masters 1000 tennis tournament 2. A photo near an orthopedic clinic in Lyon 3. False
โ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going โ book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fans and media react strongly to small details like a single photograph?
- How might repeated withdrawals affect an athlete's ranking and public image?
- What responsibilities do athletes have to inform fans about their health status?
- Do you think exhibition tournaments like the Six Kings Slam are important for professional players?

