SHANGHAI – Defending champion Jannik Sinner retired from the Shanghai Masters on Sunday after suffering cramps in his third-round match against the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor, paving the way for Novak Djokovic to continue his pursuit of a record-extending fifth title.
Sinner, world number two, began to experience issues in the fourth game of the third set, struggling to maintain his form before ultimately conceding at 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 3-2. He was visibly in pain, limping across the court and receiving assistance to reach his chair before calling it quits. “(It was) a very unfortunate ending to what I thought was a high-quality match,” Griekspoor said. “Not the way you want to win — brutal conditions here… I wish him a speedy recovery.”
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Djokovic Survives Gruelling Match
Earlier, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic faced a stern challenge from qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, ranked 150th in the world. Despite losing the first set 4-6 and being “hanging by a rope,” Djokovic dug deep to win 7-5, 6-3, benefiting from a series of unforced errors by Hanfmann late in the second set. “I had to dig in really, really deep to come out from this match as a winner, and I think the energy and support of the crowd really got me out,” Djokovic said.
Taylor Fritz Falls to Rising French Star
The United States’ Taylor Fritz, ranked fourth, was upset by 37th-ranked Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, losing 6-4, 7-5. Fritz struggled in hot and humid conditions, while the French teenager showcased his power with a series of aces and timely breaks.
“It was tough to be honest, tough conditions, very humid,” said Mpetshi Perricard. “The game at 5-5 (in the second set), it was terrible. I thought I was dying on the court.”
Mpetshi Perricard will face 11th-ranked Holger Rune, who defeated France’s Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4.
Shanghai Masters Highlights
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Sinner retires, clearing path for Djokovic.
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Djokovic extends his pursuit of a fifth Shanghai title.
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Fritz suffers early exit against rising star Mpetshi Perricard.
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Holger Rune advances to meet the Frenchman in the next round.
The tournament continues to showcase intense matches under humid conditions in Shanghai, with top seeds facing challenges from emerging players.