Three tournaments Jannik Sinner could play before the Australian Open as he confirms return plans

Jannik Sinner has now confirmed his plans to return ahead of the 2027 Australian Open.

The former world number one hasn’t played a match since winning his fifth major title at Wimbledon in July. Struggling with a knee injury, Sinner ended his season early. In a press conference held in Italy, Sinner announced his return plans.

“The goal is to go to Australia; I hope to go there and maybe play a few tournaments beforehand. Right now, I have to respect the protocols without rushing things. I’m really confident; I’m working towards that goal,” said Sinner (translated from Italian).

Sinner wants to play tournaments before the Australian Open starts on January 17, 2027, but what are his options? Here are three events Sinner could play ahead of his Grand Slam return.

Three tournaments Jannik Sinner may play before the 2027 Australian Open

Six Kings Slam

Sinner had initially withdrawn from the Six Kings Slam due to injury, but is now expected to return to defend his title after the event was rescheduled. The Italian won the multi-million-dollar prize in 2024 and 2025, defeating the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia.

Jannik Sinner’s Six Kings Slam record (6-0)

• 2024 Six Kings Slam QF [WIN] vs Daniil Medvedev, 6-0, 6-3

• 2024 Six Kings Slam SF [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4

• 2024 Six Kings Slam F [WIN] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3

• 2025 Six Kings Slam QF [WIN] vs Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-2, 6-3

• 2025 Six Kings Slam SF [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 6-2

• 2025 Six Kings Slam F [WIN] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 6-2, 6-4

The event is technically an exhibition; however, with the financial stakes so high, most players give it their all in Riyadh each year. Therefore, Sinner can use the event to build confidence against some of the best players in the men’s game ahead of the Australian swing.

This year’s rescheduled Six Kings Slam begins on December 27. Alcaraz, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur will join Sinner in the Middle East.

United Cup

Sinner could also choose to make his United Cup debut in 2027. The Italian team has yet to be confirmed, and if he wants match practice in Australia, there aren’t many events more ideal than the United Cup.

The Italians are former finalists, but have never won the sport’s premier mixed-gender competition. With Sinner on board, they would immediately become title favourites.

United Cup finals

United Cup finals

However, the one issue is that Sinner may struggle to play the Six Kings Slam and the United Cup back-to-back. The Six Kings Slam final is expected to take place on Wednesday, December 30, two days before the United Cup starts on Friday, January 1.

Brisbane International

Sinner could instead choose to play the ATP 250 Brisbane International. Top players often visit Brisbane before the Australian Open, including Djokovic, who reached the quarter-finals two years ago.

The Italian has never played in Brisbane before, instead opting to travel to Adelaide in 2023 and to Auckland in 2020. Perhaps 2027 will be the year he heads to the east coast.

Daniil Medvedev defeated Brandon Nakashima in this year’s Brisbane International final. Jiri Lehecka, Tommy Paul, and Joao Fonseca were among the top eight seeds.

The 2027 Brisbane International begins on Sunday, January 3. Sinner last won an ATP 250 title at the 2023 Open Occitanie, 1,367 days ago.

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