Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters citing physical issues after winning the Japan Open earlier this week. Alcaraz picked up an ankle injury in Tokyo, but played through it and went on to lift the title.
The world No. 1’s absence is still being felt in Shanghai, as Jannik Sinner admitted it was a shame not to see Alcaraz on the court.
Sinner is headlining a blockbuster night session with Novak Djokovic on Sunday, and he said: “It’s great. Obviously, you know, Novak coming back here to play, it’s great for the fans.
“I’m very early in my career still, but I’m very happy to play after Novak. It’s great for the fans, it’s great to hopefully watch some good tennis in both matches.
“Yeah, 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. But, you know, it’s still great to have Novak and me and many other players.”