Sinner Ready to Defend Shanghai Title, Continues Refinement of Game
SHANGHAI – Jannik Sinner arrives at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event focused on defending his 2023 title, despite a recent bout with a stomach bug and limited practice time.The Italian confirmed he’s fully recovered and eager to begin his campaign, emphasizing a continuous process of advancement shared by all players on tour.
“Every player is changing stuff and trying to get better,” Sinner saeid. “Whatever we try to do, it’s not crazy steps, just trying to adjust a couple of things, trying to get better as a player, like everyone else does. Certain shots that worked slightly better than the months before, certain shots we can still improve.” He added, “I’m just looking forward to having as many matches as possible in every tournament. This gives me the chance to try as many things as possible.”
sinner’s successful 2023 run included a victory over Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai final. A repeat encounter is possible, should both players advance to the semi-finals. However, Sinner is prioritizing his opening match against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, acknowledging the challenge ahead despite having only one practice session to adjust to the different conditions compared to Beijing.
The Lexus ATP Head2Head series between Sinner and Altmaier is currently tied at 1-1, with Altmaier securing a five-set win in their most recent meeting at Roland Garros in 2023.Sinner boasts a 27-match win streak in opening rounds, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
While already qualified for the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals after his season finale triumph last year, Sinner remains motivated to close the gap on Carlos Alcaraz in the race for the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honors. He currently trails Alcaraz by 2,580 points in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.
