Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to a cramp in the third round clash of the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor on Sunday. Griekspoor led Sinner 6-7(3), 7-5, 3-2 when the No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings had no option but to retire in humid conditions in Shanghai.
The Italian suffered cramps in his right thigh and was seen limping to his chair in pain. Sinner’s physical struggles started late in the second set and he was seen in all kinds of discomfort.
“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” said Griekspoor. “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I thought we were a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours and 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set… I’m sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
The Dutch admitted Sinner played a strong tiebreaker in the opening set to take the lead but he bounced back strongly in the second set. Griekspoor slipped to 3-4, 0/40 on serve in the second set but was able to stay in the contest.
“The first set was high quality from both, very dominant in the service games,” said the No. 31 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Griekspoor. “I thought he played an unbelievable tie-break: He hit a couple of lines, served really well. I got a bit lucky at 3-4 in the second, where I saved 0/40 and served my way out of it. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck to win these matches.”
Meanwhile, Griekspoor is the first Dutchman to reach the fourth round in the Shanghai tournament history. He will next take on Valentin Vacherot in the next round on Tuesday.
