Jannik Sinner Retires Mid-Match at ATP Shanghai

Defending champion Jannik Sinner saw his Shanghai Masters campaign end prematurely as he retired midway through his third-round clash against Tallon Griekspoor. Coming into the match with a 6–0 head-to-head lead, Sinner once again found himself locked in a tight battle with the Dutchman before physical issues cut short his title defense.

A Tight Opening Set

Despite Sinner’s dominant record against Griekspoor, their encounters have almost always been close, and this one was no exception. Both players started securely on serve, with not a single break point created in the opening set. A tiebreak was inevitable, and it was the Italian who raised his level when it mattered most, racing to a 6–1 lead before closing out the set 7–6(3).

Griekspoor Fights Back

Looking to capitalize on his momentum, Sinner created multiple break points early in the second set, but Griekspoor held firm, saving them all. The turning point came in the eighth game, where the Dutchman again fended off three break points before holding serve. A few games later, Griekspoor secured the first break of the match and served out the set to level things at one set apiece, winning the second set 7 games to 5.

Physical Struggles End Sinner’s Campaign

As the third set began, both players changed kits, and Sinner took a brief toilet break, appearing physically unwell. Unfortunately, the humid Shanghai conditions began to take their toll. The Italian started suffering from severe cramps in his quadriceps, visibly struggling to move.

Despite attempting to fight through the pain, Sinner’s condition worsened rapidly. Limping to his chair during the changeover, he was ultimately forced to retire, bringing a heartbreaking end to his title defense, at 3-2 in the third set.