Sinner storms to comeback as rain wrecks Shanghai schedule

Top seed Jannik Sinner needed a fightback to assure a place in the Shanghai Masters fourth round on a Sunday where rain prevented play on outside court.

The Italian fought through after two and three-quarter hours to finally overcome stubborn Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2.

The world No. 1 claimed his 43rd win of the season over an opponent ranked outside the top 20.

“I felt like it was a tough set that I lost. I had chances,” Sinner said. 

“But these things can happen. He played a very very great tiebreak. I had to accept it and restart from zero.

“Sometimes you have to wait for your chances, which I have done, trying to stay calm mentally, and today that was the key.

“It was a tough match physically and also mentally. I’m very happy that I’m through this one. Let’s see what’s coming.”

While lesser players waited in vain for the weather to clear, the break never came, with play on uncovered courts finally called off for the day.

Sinner, winner on Saturday of his 250th career match, is bidding for his second title of the season.

The Italian hit 40 winners – including a dozen aces – while breaking his South American opponent four times from 13 chances.