Sinner Retires; Hanfmann Falls Short; Zverev Advances in Shanghai
The Shanghai tennis tournament saw mixed fortunes for German players. Jannik Sinner, the defending champion and world number two, was forced to retire due to cramps. Yannick Hanfmann, another German, put up a valiant fight against Novak Djokovic but ultimately fell short. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev remains in the tournament, set to face Arthur Rinderknech on Monday.
Sinner's retirement came mid-match against Tallon Griekspoor. He had won the first set 7:6 (7:3) but was trailing 2:3 in the third set when he had to withdraw due to cramps. This leaves Zverev as the last German standing in the tournament.
Hanfmann, a 33-year-old from Karlsruhe, pushed Djokovic to the limit. He took the first set 6:4 in just 50 minutes and was the dominant player in the second set until he lost his serve at 5:7. However, Djokovic fought back, winning the next two sets 5:7, 3:6 to secure his place in the next round. The match lasted 2 hours and 42 minutes, with Djokovic converting his first match point to seal the victory.
Zverev now carries the German hopes in the tournament. He will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the next round. Sinner's retirement, despite his impressive start, has opened the door for other players to advance. Djokovic, meanwhile, continues his strong form, overcoming a tough challenge from Hanfmann.
