Sinner ignites winning start in Shanghai title defence

Jannik Sinner followed up on this week’s Beijing title with the Shanghai Masters holder making a winning start over German Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3.

The world No. 2 has a chance to further close the gap on top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz with the Spaniard not competing in Shanghai due to an ankle injury.

Sinner is hoping to become the first player to successfully defend the title in China’s commercial capital since Novak Djokovic 12 years ago.

Italy’s Sinner needed 98 minutes to go past German Alamaier after a first-round bye, lining up a third-round clash with Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

“I knew before the match it was going to be very difficult today,” Sinner said. “I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt here, but it makes it even more special. 

“Every day, every opponent is very difficult, it’s a huge challenge. So I’m very happy to come through today and hopefully I’m able to raise my level tomorrow.”

Sinner lifted his record in China to 23-2 including three trophies (Beijing 2023, 205) and Shanghai a year ago.

Sinner will move to within striking distance of Alcaraz, with a repeat title pulling him to just 390 points behind his absent rival.

Elsewhere, sixth seeded former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev reached the third round over qualifier Dalibor Svrcina 6-1, 6-1, taking just an hour and producing 22 winners.