Jannik Sinner's 'right choice' comments speak volumes after Shanghai Masters injury

Neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Jannik Sinner will win this year's Shanghai Masters, with injury issues impacting the top two players in the world at various points along the way

View 2 Images

Former World No.1 Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters through injury, just days after giving his verdict on Carlos Alcaraz's decision to sit out the same tournament. Sinner had exchanged sets with Tallon Griekspoor in his third round clash but called time after severe cramp left him barely able to walk.

The exertions of a long season can come for everyone, even those at the pinnacle of the sport. In Alcaraz's case, that meant avoiding the tournament entirely so as not to risk aggravating an ankle injury after the Japan Open.

"I'm very disappointed to announce that I won't be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!" Alcaraz wrote on social media . "Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover. I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!”

That left World No.2 Sinner as the highest ranked player in Shanghai. He got a bye to the second round, where he beat Daniel Altmaier, but he couldn't keep going after cramp struck against Griekspoor.

He had shown few signs that he'd end up suffering so badly in his third round encounter. However, after discovering Alcaraz wouldn't be involved in the tournament, he recognised the value of listening to your body and taking a week off when required.

“Well, I skipped already many tournaments. Last year, for example, not playing a couple of tournaments,” Sinner said when learning of Alcaraz's decision. However, he recognised different players will think differently about their choices.

“For me, I skipped a couple of tournaments [last year] because I think it was the right choice for my body and mind," he added. "Also this year I didn't play Toronto, for example, or Montreal.

"You have sometimes to jump some tournaments. You can always choose. That's why I say, yes, they're mandatory, but at the end of the day you can still choose. I chose always or I will keep still choosing for my best.”

View 2 Images

Griekspoor now has a golden chance to reach the quarter-finals in Shanghai. His fourth round opponent is Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot, who was also the beneficiary of a retirement after Thomas Machac pulled out of their encounter.

“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” Griekspoor said after his victory. "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.”

High seeds Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have also suffered early eliminations, though Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic are among the big names still in the draw. There is also still some British interest, with Cam Norrie taking on Learner Tien in round three on Monday.