Former Italian player and a commentator Guido Monaco offered his perspective on Jannik Sinner's heartbreaking retirement in the third round of the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor.
World no. 2 played in difficult conditions for over two and a half hours, missing a chance to seal the deal in straight sets and retiring with cramps after getting broken in the fifth game of the decider.
Monaco believes that incident highlights the extreme physical demands of the modern ATP Tour and a particular rule that can leave players vulnerable in such moments.
According to current regulations, cramps are not considered a medical condition eligible for treatment. That often places exhausted players in an impossible situation on court.
The former Italian player noticed that Sinner's packed schedule may have contributed to the problem. Unlike Carlos Alcaraz, who skipped Shanghai, Jannik chased valuable points in the year-end no. 1 race a couple of days after conquering Beijing.
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World no. 2 lifted a trophy in Beijing and moved to Shanghai, competing in challenging humid conditions. His body reached its limit, and he was forced to retire at a Masters 1000 level for the second time this year.
Monaco suggested that in the future, Sinner might consider acting more strategically. He should call for a medical timeout at the first signs of physical discomfort to gain precious recovery time before the situation becomes unmanageable, as it was the case on Sunday.
"It's entirely possible that after playing in Beijing a few days earlier and two consecutive matches in Shanghai with little time to recover, such a situation could arise in these conditions.
Perhaps he could act more maliciously in the future, requesting a medical timeout at the first signs and justifying this with a small contracture. Indeed, according to the rules, cramps are not considered an injury and can not be treated," Guido Monaco said.
