Weary Sinner relieved to have day off after advancing

Posted : 06 October 2024

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner expressed the need for a break after overcoming fatigue to defeat Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. Sinner, who came back from a set down, secured the victory with a score of 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-2. This match marked a significant test for Sinner, who had just three days earlier participated in a grueling 3-hour, 21-minute final at the China Open, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

Joining Sinner in the last 16 is Daniil Medvedev, who also had to fight back to defeat Italy's Matteo Arnaldi. Medvedev faced a challenging match, ultimately winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. Both players showcased resilience as they fought through demanding encounters, setting the stage for exciting matches ahead.

Sinner started the match slowly, dropping the first set in a tiebreak against the 37th-ranked Etcheverry. The fatigue from his recent match in Beijing was evident, but the 23-year-old managed to regroup in the second set. He broke Etcheverry's serve twice, leveling the match and setting himself up for a smoother victory in the third set.

Reflecting on his performance, Sinner acknowledged the physical toll the tournament had taken on him. "Tomorrow is a day off, which I really need; I felt it physically today," he stated, indicating that rest was essential for his recovery. He also noted that he had opportunities in the first set that he couldn't capitalize on but was pleased with his ability to bounce back.

Medvedev, ranked fifth in the world, started strong by breaking Arnaldi early in their match. However, the 36th-ranked Italian maintained composure, breaking back in the sixth game. After a series of tense moments, including a break of serve in the 12th game, Medvedev found himself under pressure but managed to regroup as the match progressed.

The Russian's frustration became apparent as he received two code violations and a point penalty due to a disagreement with the umpire. Despite the tension, Medvedev regained his focus and fought through to a deciding set, eventually securing the win after 2 hours and 44 minutes on court.

Rain impacted the tournament, forcing play onto the main court under its roof and delaying matches on the outside courts for the second consecutive day. This weather condition added an extra layer of difficulty for the players, but both Sinner and Medvedev demonstrated their capacity to adapt and succeed in challenging circumstances.

Weary Sinner relieved to have day off after advancing

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