World No. 2 Jannik Sinner has expressed disappointment over Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the 2025 Shanghai Masters, calling the Spaniard’s absence “very unfortunate” for fans and the tournament alike. Speaking after his second-round victory against Daniel Altmaier, Sinner acknowledged Alcaraz’s magnetic presence on court and the excitement he brings to every event, especially in high-profile ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.
Alcaraz, who lifted the Japan Open title just days before the Shanghai Masters, pulled out due to an ankle injury sustained during his Tokyo campaign. The decision, made in consultation with his team, was aimed at prioritizing recovery and long-term fitness. His absence leaves Sinner as the top seed in Shanghai and a favorite to defend his title.
Shanghai Masters 2025 – Top Seed Status After Alcaraz Withdrawal
| Player Name | ATP Ranking | Shanghai Seed | Status | Recent Title Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jannik Sinner | No. 2 | No. 1 | Active | China Open 2025 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | No. 1 | — | Withdrawn | Japan Open 2025 |
| Novak Djokovic | No. 3 | No. 2 | Active | US Open 2025 |
| Alexander Zverev | No. 4 | No. 3 | Active | Hamburg Open 2025 |
Sinner, who defeated Novak Djokovic in last year’s Shanghai final, was candid in his reaction. “It’s very unfortunate that Carlos is not here also, you know. I feel like Carlos is the man who people want to see in tournaments, so it’s very unfortunate he’s not here,” he said during his post-match press conference.
Despite the setback, Sinner emphasized the depth of talent in the draw, including four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic and rising stars like Holger Rune and Ben Shelton. “It’s still great to have Novak and me and many other players,” he added, reflecting optimism about the tournament’s competitiveness.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Injury Timeline – October 2025
| Event Name | Date | Injury Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Open | Oct 1–4, 2025 | Ankle sprain in QF | Won title vs Taylor Fritz |
| Shanghai Masters | Oct 5–12, 2025 | Withdrawn pre-tournament | Recovery advised by team |
Alcaraz’s decision to skip Shanghai comes amid growing concerns over the ATP calendar’s intensity. Both he and Sinner have previously spoken about the need to manage schedules carefully to avoid burnout. “Tournaments are getting longer. It’s not a one-week event, basically a two-week event. At some point, I feel like you have to jump some tournaments,” Sinner said.
The Italian himself skipped Toronto and Montreal earlier this year to preserve his physical and mental fitness. “You can always choose. For me, I skipped last year a couple of tournaments because I think it was the right choice for my body and mind,” he explained.
ATP Masters 1000 – Tournament Duration & Player Fatigue
| Tournament Name | Duration (Days) | Typical Match Load | Recovery Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Masters | 9–10 | 5–6 matches | Long travel, humid conditions |
| Indian Wells | 12 | 6–7 matches | Dry heat, altitude |
| Rome Masters | 8 | 5–6 matches | Clay surface strain |
| Canada Masters | 7 | 4–5 matches | Back-to-back scheduling |
Sinner’s comments also came in the wake of Alexander Zverev’s controversial claim that tournament directors were standardizing court speeds to favor players like Sinner and Alcaraz. Zverev alleged that surface uniformity was designed to benefit their playing styles, sparking debate across the tennis world.
Reacting to the claim, Sinner defended himself and Alcaraz, stating, “You know, me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision. We try to adapt ourselves in every situation. I feel like still every week is a bit different”.
He added, “I’ve played some great tennis even when it was faster courts. But I’m not making the courts, you know, so I just try to adapt and play my best tennis I can, and that’s it.”
Court Speed Debate – ATP Masters 1000 CPI Index (2025)
| Tournament Name | Court Pace Index (CPI) | Surface Type | Player Style Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Masters | 32.8 | Hard | Balanced (baseline + serve) |
| Miami Open | 33.5 | Hard | Aggressive baseliners |
| Monte Carlo Masters | 27.0 | Clay | Defensive grinders |
| Cincinnati Masters | 36.2 | Hard | Big servers, fast movers |
The CPI data shows that court speeds vary significantly across tournaments, countering Zverev’s claims of homogenization. Experts and fans have pointed out that both Sinner and Alcaraz have succeeded on a variety of surfaces, including clay, grass, and indoor hard courts.
Alcaraz’s absence from Shanghai also impacts the ATP Race to World No. 1. With Sinner gaining ground after his China Open win and Djokovic returning to form, the year-end rankings battle remains intense.
ATP Race to No. 1 – October 2025 Standings
| Player Name | Points (YTD) | Titles Won (2025) | Shanghai Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 9,820 | 5 | Withdrawn |
| Jannik Sinner | 9,450 | 4 | Active |
| Novak Djokovic | 8,900 | 3 | Active |
| Daniil Medvedev | 7,300 | 2 | Active |
Fans have expressed disappointment over missing a potential Sinner-Alcaraz final in Shanghai, especially after both players won ATP 500 titles in the same week. Their rivalry, marked by thrilling encounters and mutual respect, has become one of the most anticipated narratives in men’s tennis.
Social media platforms lit up with reactions to Sinner’s comments, with hashtags like #SinnerOnAlcaraz, #ShanghaiMasters2025, and #ATPNo1Race trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Tennis enthusiasts praised Sinner’s sportsmanship and maturity in addressing both Alcaraz’s absence and Zverev’s remarks.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Sinner-Alcaraz Shanghai Update
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.3M mentions | 88% supportive | #SinnerOnAlcaraz #ShanghaiMasters2025 |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% respectful | #ATPNo1Race #CarlosAlcarazInjury | |
| 950K views | 82% empathetic | #TennisRivalry #SinnerSpeaks | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% analytical | #SinnerPressConference #AlcarazUpdate |
In conclusion, Jannik Sinner’s reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s Shanghai Masters absence reflects the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define modern tennis. While fans may miss their on-court clash this week, the ATP season still promises high-stakes drama, with Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz battling for supremacy. As the Shanghai Masters unfolds, all eyes remain on Sinner’s title defense and the evolving race to finish 2025 as World No. 1.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available tournament updates, verified press conference quotes, and ATP data. It does not constitute medical advice or prediction of match outcomes. Readers are advised to follow official ATP and tournament channels for real-time information.
