In a thrilling turn of events at the Shanghai Masters, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard triumphed over the fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz with scores of 6-4, 7-5, marking his first victory against the American player. Mpetshi Perricard’s performance was characterized by his powerful service game, where he hit 12 aces compared to Fritz’s nine.
Jannik Sinner’s Withdraws Amid Cramps
Defending champion Jannik Sinner faced a disappointing exit as he retired from his match against Tallon Griekspoor due to severe leg cramps. After securing the first set, Sinner was leading 3-2 in the third set when he had to concede the match due to discomfort in his right thigh. His earlier success at the China Open in Beijing just days prior adds to the unexpected nature of this withdrawal.
Brutal Conditions Affect Players
The humidity levels were exceptionally high, contributing to the challenging conditions throughout the tournament. Griekspoor commented on the situation, expressing empathy for Sinner, stating, “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Notable Matches and Upcoming Encounters
In other matches, Novak Djokovic faced a tough challenge from German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann. After losing the first set, Djokovic rallied to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The Serbian player showed resilience, particularly in challenging weather that affected many competitors. He will compete against Jaume Munar in the next round.
Other Tournament Highlights
- Holger Rune advanced by defeating Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4.
- Zizou Bergs upset Francisco Cerundolo, winning 7-6 (1), 6-3.
- Gabriel Diallo received a walkover after David Goffin retired early in their match.
Notably absent from the Shanghai Masters is Carlos Alcaraz, who is sidelined due to minor health issues following his victory at the Japan Open last week. As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, with players pushing through the challenging conditions in pursuit of the title.
