SHANGHAI — The 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters was rocked by a major upset on Tuesday as defending champion Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from his second-round match due to a left hip injury, while world number one Novak Djokovic battled through a stern test to secure his place in the last 16.
Sinner, the second seed who captured his first Masters 1000 title here last year in a thrilling final over Daniil Medvedev, was trailing 7-6(5), 2-0 against American Marcos Giron when he made the difficult decision to stop. The Italian had received a medical timeout and treatment on his hip after losing the first set but was visibly hampered and unable to move with his characteristic explosive power.
In a post-match press conference, a dejected Sinner explained the situation, stating, "I felt a sharp pain in my left hip during a rally late in the first set. We tried to tape it and see if I could continue, but it was impossible to push off on that side. It's a big disappointment, especially here in Shanghai where I have such great memories. The most important thing now is to get it checked properly and understand the extent of the injury."
The abrupt end to Sinner's title defense throws the bottom half of the draw wide open and marks a significant setback in his pursuit of Djokovic for the year-end No. 1 ranking. Sinner had been in scintillating form for much of the season, winning his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
Djokovic Survives Griekspoor Scare
On the adjacent court at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, Novak Djokovic provided the drama and resilience that Sinner’s match lacked. The top seed and 22-time Grand Slam champion was pushed to the limit by a determined Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands before eventually prevailing 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in a two-hour and twenty-minute battle.
Griekspoor, known for his powerful groundstrokes, took the game to Djokovic from the outset, breaking the Serb's serve early in the second set to level the match. The Dutchman’s aggressive tactics seemed to unsettle Djokovic, who was uncharacteristically error-prone and visibly frustrated at times, gesturing towards his team and muttering to himself after missed opportunities.
Reflecting on the tough contest, Djokovic admitted, "Credit to Tallon, he played a fantastic match and served exceptionally well, especially in the second set. I wasn't at my best today, I struggled to find my rhythm, but these are the matches you need to win when you're not playing perfectly. I found a way in the third set, which is what matters."
The key moment came with Djokovic leading 4-3 in the decider, where he conjured a crucial break of serve, capitalizing on a series of errors from Griekspoor. He then comfortably served out the match, sealing it with a signature backhand winner down the line.
A Look at Sinner's Injury Concerns
Jannik Sinner's early exit raises renewed questions about the physical toll of the long ATP season. While he has been largely robust this year, this is not his first encounter with hip issues. The retirement in Shanghai is a significant blow with several major tournaments remaining on the calendar.
His team released a brief statement later in the evening, confirming, "Jannik will undergo an MRI scan tomorrow in Shanghai to assess the injury. Further updates on his condition and participation in upcoming tournaments will be provided in due course."
The immediate concern for Sinner and his fans is his participation in the remaining events of the Asian swing and the ATP Finals in Turin, where he is a favorite. His current trajectory for the rest of the season is now shrouded in uncertainty.
The physical demands on top players are immense, and Sinner's situation highlights the fine line they walk. Key factors contributing to injury risk include:
- Congested Calendar: The ATP tour has very few off-weeks, leading to cumulative fatigue.
- Hard-Court Dominance: A majority of tournaments are played on hard courts, the most punishing surface on the body.
- Intensity of Modern Game: The power and physicality required at the top level place extreme stress on joints and muscles.
The Road Ahead in Shanghai
With Sinner's departure, the path for other contenders has become considerably clearer. Players like Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, and the in-form Grigor Dimitrov will see this as a golden opportunity to make a deep run and capture a prestigious Masters 1000 crown.
For Djokovic, the victory over Griekspoor sets up a third-round clash with either Chilean Nicolas Jarry or home favorite Zhang Zhizhen. Despite the scratchy performance, his ability to win when not at his peak is a hallmark of his champion's mentality.
Djokovic acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "Every match is a new battle. You can't take anyone lightly. I need to clean up my game, be more aggressive, and hopefully play better in the next round."
Other Notable Results from Day 4
While the Sinner and Djokovic matches headlined the day, there was plenty of other action. Last year's finalist, Daniil Medvedev, advanced comfortably in straight sets, as did young gun Carlos Alcaraz, who dispatched a local wildcard with ease. However, it was a day of mixed fortunes for the seeds:
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (5): Advanced in straight sets against Ugo Humbert.
- Casper Ruud (8): Suffered a surprising loss to the big-serving American, Christopher Eubanks.
- Taylor Fritz (9): Overcame a tough three-set battle against Jiri Lehecka.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Twists
The 2024 Shanghai Masters has already delivered its first major shock with the injury withdrawal of the defending champion. Jannik Sinner's departure is a sobering reminder of the physical fragility that can undermine even the most dominant players. For Novak Djokovic, the quest for a record-extending 40th Masters 1000 title continues, but his labored victory signals that the competition in Shanghai will be fierce.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the MRI results for Sinner and on whether Djokovic can elevate his level. The door is now open for a new champion to be crowned or for a seasoned veteran like Djokovic to once again demonstrate his enduring class in the face of adversity.