Jannik Sinner started the Shanghai Masters title defense with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Daniel Altmaier in an hour and 38 minutes. Jannik claimed the title in Beijing a couple of days ago and adjusted to new conditions in Shanghai for a solid victory.
The Italian is the leader of the pack in Shanghai following Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal. The Spaniard claimed the ATP 500 crown in Tokyo following an injury scare and opted to rest his body ahead of the closing events of the season.
Jannik took a moment to reflect on the absence of his greatest rival, whose presence has become almost synonymous with the sport's biggest stages. Sinner admitted it was a shame that Alcaraz is not in the draw.
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The Italian praised his opponent and noted that the Spaniard's charisma and shot-making are a major draw for players and fans alike. The two young stars have forged one of the most exciting tennis rivalries of thiscentury.
They have dominated men's tennis in the previous two seasons, sharing all eight Major titles and facing off in multiple finals, including five in a row since May this season.
In addition, Carlos and Jannik became the first players to contest in three consecutive Major finals in a season, with the Spaniard winning in Paris and New York and the Italian in London.
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Sinner's words underscored the mutual respect between the two leaders of tennis' new era - a rivalry built on admiration, fierce competition and a shared drive to push each other higher.
At the moment, no one can follow their incredible pace, and we should see them in many more notable titles in the upcoming years. Jannik will try to conquer Shanghai and reduce a massive gap to Carlos in the ATP Race.
They are battling for the year-end no. 1 spot, and it should come down to the final events at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals.
"It's a shame Carlos is not here in Shanghai. I believe his is the player everyone wants to see," Jannik Sinner said.
