TOPSHOT – Italy’s Jannik Sinner (R) reacts on the bench as he receives medical attention during his men’s singles match against Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 6, 2025. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Jannik Sinner’s title defense at the Shanghai Masters ended in the third round after he was forced to retire with severe leg cramps in brutally humid conditions on Sunday evening.
World no. 2 Sinner, who was up against Tallon Griekspoor, retired injured in the deciding third set after playing for more than two and a half hours on court.
The Dutchman was leading the 6-7(3), 7-5, 3-2 when Sinner appeared to be struggling with cramps in his right thigh.
Sinner, who won the French Open and Wimbledon this year, had begun to struggle in the second set and rushed to place ice towels around his neck at the changeover before the start of the third set.
The Italian was limping between points and frequently massaged his right thigh. In the sixth game of the decider, he needed the help of the physio to limp back to his chair before he was forced to make the call to retire.
The humid conditions at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena meant Sinner required assistance to leave the court.
“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” said Griekspoor. “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already.
“I thought we were a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours and 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set… I’m sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Sinner’s third-round exit in Shanghai is a major blow for his bid to overtake in Carlos Alcaraz in the battle for ATP Year-End No. 1. The Italian trails his rival by 2,540 points in the ATP Live Race To Turin, which acts as a barometer for the Year-End No. 1 battle.
Alcaraz, the current No. 1, pulled out of the Shanghai Masters with an ankle injury he suffered during his Japan Open triumph.
Disclaimer: This news has been automatically collected from the source link above. Our website does not create, edit, or publish the content. All information, statements, and opinions expressed belong solely to the original publisher. We are not responsible or liable for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any news, nor for any statements, views, or claims made in the content. All rights remain with the respective source.