Jannik Sinner\u2019s retirement at the 2025 Shanghai Masters reinforced the notion that he is \u201ca bit frail\u201d, according to former Italian ATP star Paolo Bertolucci.<\/p>\n
The world No 2 retired due to cramping when trailing Tallon Griekspoor 2-3 in the third set of his third round match at the ATP 1000 tournament in Shanghai<\/a> last week.<\/p>\n After narrowly losing a lengthy second set, Sinner<\/a> was in clear discomfort and struggled with his movement due to cramps early in the third set. He took the decision to retire after losing serve in the fifth game of the decider.<\/p>\n Sinner is one of seven players who retired mid-match in Shanghai, where high temperatures and humidity made for gruelling playing conditions.<\/p>\n By being unable to complete his match in Shanghai, Sinner \u2014 who won the event in 2024 \u2014 made unwanted history by becoming the first defending champion to retire mid-match at Masters 1000 events on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n The Italian was also the reigning champion when he retired at 0-5 down against Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> in the 2025 Cincinnati final in his previous Masters event.<\/p>\n Reflecting on Sinner\u2019s exit in Shanghai, Bertolucci asserted that the four-time major winner does not have the same physical durability as either Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a shame because Sinner had a great chance in this tournament,\u201d the former world No 12 told Sky Sport Italy.<\/p>\n Tennis Features<\/p>\n Novak Djokovic is a \u2018unicorn\u2019 \u2013 but is his schedule contributing to his injuries? Leading expert reveals<\/a><\/p>\n