Shanghai Masters: Djokovic battles through to last 16 as Sinner retires injured
Novak Djokovic survives a tough test in humid Shanghai as Jannik Sinner's title defence ends in injury during a dramatic third-round day.
New Delhi: Defending champion Jannik Sinner's title defence came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after he was forced to retire due to severe leg cramps during his third-round clash against Tallon Griekspoor at the Shanghai Masters. The Italian last week lifted the trophy in Beijing and started strong by taking the opening set 7-6 (3) but struggled with fitness as the match went deep into the night.
The World No.2 began to show visible discomfort in the decider. He massaged his right thigh several times before deciding he could no longer continue, trailing 7-6 (3), 5-7, 2-3. Despite trying to fight through the pain, the humid conditions took their toll. "This is definitely not the way you want to win,” said Griekspoor. "It’s been brutal conditions here all week. Two hours and 36 minutes on court, middle of the third set… I’m sorry for him and wish him a speedy recovery.”
The Dutchman now moves into the last 16, where he will face French qualifier Valentin Vacherot after Tomas Machac also retired hurt. It capped a rough day for top seeds with Sinner joining Taylor Fritz on the sidelines after the American also fell to French youngster Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets.
Djokovic digs deep to survive Hanfmann test
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic had to dig deep to keep his campaign alive. The Serbian great was pushed to his limits by German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann before clawing his way back for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win that lasted two hours and 42 minutes. Battling fatigue, humidity and a spirited opponent, Djokovic leaned heavily on his experience and the local crowd to turn the match around.
"The crowd really got me up, and towards the end of the second set I started to get into it more,” Djokovic said after the match. "I had to show a lot of guts today. It wasn’t my best tennis, but I found a way.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion looked sluggish in the opening set, struggling to handle Hanfmann's serve and aggressive net play. Hanfmann though hit 17 winners to take the first set and looked on course for a massive upset but the Serbian slowly found his rhythm back and broke Hanfmann at 6-5 in the second set to level the contest as the Shanghai crowd roared him on.
Brutal conditions test top players
The humid conditions proved punishing for most players with Djokovic even throwing up during a changeover. "It’s brutal when you have over 80 percent humidity day after day,” he said. "Especially for players competing during the day, it's exhausting.”
Djokovic, chasing a record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters crown eventually broke early in the final set and held firm to seal his spot in the last 16 where he faced Spain’s Jaume Munar.
Elsewhere, Holger Rune eased past Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4 while Zizou Bergs upset 19th seed Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (1), 6-3. Gabriel Diallo also advanced after David Goffin retired early in their match. Meanwhile, top seed Carlos Alcaraz skipped the tournament due to minor fitness issues after winning the Japan Open.
With Alcarz not playing and Sinner out due to injury Djokovic has a clear chance to add another trophy in his cabinet.