Jannik Sinner has stated what he thinks about Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters.
Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters after overcoming an ankle injury scare to win the Japan Open.
Sinner’s Shanghai Masters campaign without Alcaraz gives the World No. 2 a chance to make up ground on the ATP Tour rankings.
The Italian has shared what he thinks about his great rival missing one of the biggest tournaments on the tour.
Jannik Sinner says Carlos Alcaraz’s Shanghai Masters withdrawal is ‘unfortunate’
Sinner came through his second round match against Daniel Altmaier in straightforward fashion in Shanghai.
After the match, the Italian spoke to the press and shared his opinions on Novak Djokovic’s journey and Alcaraz skipping the tournament.
Sinner will play his third round match against Tallon Griekspoor right before Djokovic’s clash with Yannick Hanfmann.
Speaking about sharing a court with Djokovic, Sinner said: “Yeah, I mean, it’s great. Obviously, you know, Novak coming back here to play, it’s great for the fans.
“I’m very early in my career still, but I’m very happy to play after Novak. It’s great for the fans, it’s great to hopefully watch some good tennis in both matches.”
The Wimbledon champion then turned his attention toward Alcaraz not playing the tournament, which he described as ‘unfortunate’.
“I feel like Carlos is the man who people want to see in tournaments, so it’s very unfortunate he’s not here,” said Sinner. “But, you know, it’s still great to have Novak and me and many other players.”
Jannik Sinner has a huge opportunity to close the gap on Carlos Alcaraz
With Alcaraz’s omission, Sinner has the chance to cut the gap between him and the Spaniard at the top of the rankings.
Sinner won the tournament in Shanghai last year, but if he defends those points by winning the competition he will be within touching distance to the World No. 1.
Sinner will reduce the gap to 390 points in the ATP Tour rankings if he wins the Shanghai Masters for consecutive years.
With the Paris Masters and the ATP Tour Finals to come, there could be real competition for the World No. 1 spot before the end of 2025.
