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What changes are expected for Jannik Sinner after Shanghai withdrawal due to cramps

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Jannik Sinner’s time at the Shanghai Masters didn’t last long, as he had to pull out of his match with Tallon Griekspoor due to cramping.

He was trailing 7-6(7-3), 5-7, 2-3 in the third round when he retired. Sinner had started the tournament as the second seed and opened with a straight-sets win over Daniel Altmaier.

Last year, Sinner won the event by beating Novak Djokovic in the final, but this year’s campaign ended early. He came into Shanghai off a strong performance at the China Open, where he claimed another title earlier in October.

Why Sinner’s team may look to make changes after Shanghai exit

Sinner’s team aren’t overly concerned about his cramps, but respected coach Patrick Mouratoglou thinks adjustments will be made to help prevent it happening again.

Speaking on Instagram, Mouratoglou said: “To explain Sinner’s cramps, there is only one word: humidity. [Taylor] Fritz had the same problem.

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“We saw Novak Djokovic throw up two times. It’s not the first time he [Sinner] cramps. He had cramps against Carlos [Alcaraz] in Roland Garros.”

Sinner’s team are no strangers to humidity issues, having dealt with them before at Roland Garros and the US Open. While nothing was changed after those events, Mouratoglou believes this latest incident might finally prompt a different approach.

Mouratoglou continued: “But this was tension. Until it happens to you, there is no reason to change anything. Once it happened, his team will probably organize differently next time he’s going to play in such conditions.

“Probably increase the drinking also before the match, because during the match at a certain point you cannot drink more.”

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Mouratoglou added that hydration products like waterdrop can be crucial for maintaining balance when playing in extreme heat and humidity.

He went on to say that while Australia is known for its tough conditions, Asian tournaments often present even greater challenges due to humidity levels.

What will Jannik Sinner be focusing on after his Shanghai Masters withdrawal?

Sinner may consider skipping the ATP 500 Vienna later this month, given both his recent cramping issues and his current standing in the world rankings.

It’s unlikely he’ll catch Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the rankings this late in the season, and both have already qualified for the ATP Finals.

The Italian claimed victory on home soil last year, winning the ATP Finals without losing a single set.

While defending that title in Turin come November will be on his mind, immediate attention may turn to staying fit for Paris – which is not far away either.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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