When Jannik Sinner, Italian stepped onto court at the Rolex Shanghai MastersShanghai on Sunday, the tennis world expected a routine defense from the 24‑year‑old world No. 2. Instead, the third‑round clash with Dutch qualifier Tallon Griekspoor turned into a medical drama, ending with Sinner retiring in the deciding set because of severe thigh cramping.
What Went Wrong on Court?
The match began with Sinner eking out a 7‑6(3) first set, but humidity in the indoor arena was already making the air feel like a furnace. By the second set, the Italian’s stride grew hesitant; at the change‑over he slipped an ice towel around his neck, a move normally reserved for heat‑related fatigue. Griekspoor, sensing an opening, clawed back to take the second set 7‑5.
Entering the third set, Sinner was visibly limping between points, repeatedly massaging his right thigh. At the 2‑1 change‑over he abandoned his chair, propping his legs on the bench in a desperate attempt to stretch the cramp. The referee gave a brief medical timeout, but the muscle spasm persisted, and at 3‑2 down Sinner signaled he could not continue.
"My leg just wouldn’t cooperate," Sinner later told reporters. "I tried everything—ice, stretching, even the bench‑leg trick—but the cramp stayed.'" The retirement handed Griekspoor a hard‑won victory and sent a ripple through the tournament’s draw.
Implications for the Year‑End No. 1 Race
Sinner’s exit is more than a lost match; it’s a major blow to his bid for the ATP Year‑End No. 1 ranking, a title currently held by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Before Shanghai, Sinner sat just 2,540 points behind Alcaraz in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin. A successful title defense would have closed that gap to 1,590 points, positioning the Italian as a legitimate challenger.
Now, with only three high‑stakes events remaining—Vienna, the Paris Masters, and the Nitto ATP Finals—Sinner faces a steep uphill climb. He can earn a maximum of 3,000 points across those tournaments, while Alcaraz has up to 2,500 points still on offer. If the Spaniard reaches the later rounds in Paris and performs well in Turin, Sinner’s chances of overtaking him dwindle dramatically.
The ATP’s win‑loss index underscores the disparity: Alcaraz boasts a 67‑7 record this season, whereas Sinner’s 43‑6 tally reflects fewer matches played, partly a result of his early Shanghai departure.
Other Players Hit by the Shanghai Heat
Sinner’s misfortune was not an isolated incident. The week’s tournament saw a spate of withdrawals linked to fatigue and the oppressive indoor climate. Norway’s Casper Ruud succumbed to a cramp‑induced retirement in a third‑set battle, while Belgian veteran David Goffin bowed out after a physical showdown with his opponent.
Even top seed Alcaraz withdrew earlier in the week, though his absence stemmed from a lingering injury sustained at the previous event rather than the Shanghai conditions. British youngster Jack Draper also pulled out before his first‑round match, citing a hamstring strain.
These exits have reshaped the draw, opening pathways for lower‑ranked players like Griekspoor, who now finds himself a quarterfinal contender with a realistic shot at his first Masters‑1000 title.

What’s Next for Sinner?
Sinner’s next stop is the Vienna Open, scheduled for the week of October 12. The Austrian arena offers cooler temperatures and a slower court, which could help him regain confidence and rack up vital points. A deep run in Vienna would not only add points but also provide a mental boost before the season‑ending Paris Masters.
In Paris, the stakes rise dramatically. The Masters‑1000 event awards 1,000 points to the champion, and a title there could swing momentum back in Sinner’s favor. After Paris, the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin presents a final chance to amass up to 1,500 points, depending on how deep he goes in the round‑robin and knockout stages.
"I’m focusing on one match at a time," Sinner said in a post‑match interview. "Vienna is the next chapter, and I’ll treat the rest of the season as a fresh start."
Background: Sinner’s Rise and the ATP Ranking Race
Only a few years ago, Sinner burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, clinching his first ATP title at the 2021 Sofia Open. Since then, he has amassed 12 tour‑level titles, including a breakthrough Masters‑1000 win at the 2023 Canadian Open. His aggressive baseline game—characterized by a booming forehand and uncanny court coverage—has made him a fan favourite and a consistent threat to the top‑10.
The ATP Year‑End No. 1 ranking, introduced in 1970 and now branded with PIF sponsorship, tracks points earned from the calendar year’s events. Historically, the title has been dominated by a handful of legends: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and, more recently, Alcaraz and Sinner. The 2025 race is exceptionally tight, with the top two separated by less than 3,000 points—a margin that can be erased with two tournament wins.
Historically, players who stumble in the final stretch—like Stan Wawrinka in 2014—often find it impossible to recover enough points, underscoring the importance of staying healthy through the Asian swing and the indoor European tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sinner’s retirement affect his chances of finishing the year as world No. 1?
The early exit in Shanghai widens the points gap to Carlos Alcaraz to 2,540. With only Vienna, the Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals left—maxing out at 3,000 points—Sinner now needs near‑perfect results to close the deficit, making his year‑end No. 1 bid much more challenging.
What were the conditions like at the Shanghai Masters that contributed to multiple retirements?
The indoor arena in Shanghai recorded humidity levels above 70% and temperatures hovering near 28 °C (82 °F). Those conditions strained players’ muscles, leading to cramps and fatigue, which forced both Sinner and several others to retire mid‑match.
Who benefits most from Sinner’s withdrawal in the tournament draw?
Dutch qualifier Tallon Griekspoor, who advanced thanks to the retirement, now enjoys a clearer path to the quarter‑finals. Additionally, other lower‑ranked players in Sinner’s section have a better chance of reaching the later rounds than they would have faced a world No. 2 opponent.
What are the upcoming key tournaments that could reshape the year‑end rankings?
The Vienna Open (Oct 12‑18), the Paris Masters (Oct 30‑Nov 5) and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin (Nov 12‑19) are the final three events where the top players can earn the largest point swings. Performances there will likely determine the final year‑end No. 1.
Has the ATP taken any steps to address the health concerns raised by the Shanghai Masters?
Tournament officials announced they will review humidity control and schedule adjustments for future editions. The ATP also reminded players to prioritize hydration and recovery protocols during the Asian swing.
Allen Rodi
October 7, 2025 AT 23:17Looks like the humidity really got to Sinner. He’ll need good recovery and maybe adjust his warm‑up routine. If he can get a solid win in Vienna, the points could swing back.
Fabian Rademacher
October 8, 2025 AT 01:10Wake up! The Shanghai venue is practically a sauna on purpose. Those “humidity controls” are a cover‑up to favor players who thrive in heat.
Terrell Mack
October 8, 2025 AT 03:06Man, Sinner’s got the tools to bounce back. He just needs to dial in his leg recovery and keep his aggression alive. I’m betting on a deep run in Vienna.