Carlos Alcaraz has a massive 2540 points leadover Jannik Sinner in the year-end no. 1 race following the Shanghai Masters. The Spaniard skipped the event following an ankle scare at the ATP 500 event in Tokyo.
Jannik, who conquered Beijing, had a chance to reduce the gap and remain in contention for his second straight year-end no. 1 honor. However, those dreams crushed following the Italian's setback in Shanghai.
World no. 2 battled against Tallon Griekspoor in the third round and retired while trailing 6-7, 7-5, 3-2 after two hours and 36 minutes of grueling tennis. Thus, Carlos can start celebrating his second year-end no. 1 award!
With 2540 points between them, the race is almost over, with Jannik having to win Vienna, the Paris Masters and ATP Finals to stand any chance. On the other hand, Alcaraz requires only a couple of decent results in Paris and Turin to keep his greatest rival behind.
Sinner had to risk after Beijing and enter Shanghai to seek valuable points. However, he passed the first obstacle before falling on the second, with his body betraying him against a determined rival.
Jannik and Tallon embraced a tight battle in challenging conditions. The Italian claimed two points more but not the crucial ones. Both players landed more winners than unforced errors.
The Dutchman denied all six break points and provided two breaks to build the advantage before world no. 2 ended his campaign in the worst possible way. There were no break chances in the opener.
The Italian grabbed two mini-breaks in the tie break and forged the advantage after an hour. Jannik had a massive chance to seal the deal earlier and avoid all the issues. However, he squandered all six break points in two return games of the second set.
Griekspoor hit well when it mattered the most and provided a break at love at 5-5 that sent him in front. The lower-ranked player held at 6-5 to wrap up the set and force a decider.
Sinner survived two service games in the final set, but it was all we saw from him. His right leg bothered him more and more, and the Italian retired in cramps after getting broken at love at 2-2.
