Sinner primed for ‘tough challenge’ of defending Shanghai title

AFP | London

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World number two Jannik Sinner said yesterday he anticipates “a very, very difficult and tough challenge” as he prepares to defend his Shanghai Masters title, a day after winning the China Open.

The 24-year-old Italian dominated teenager Learner Tien to clinch his 21st ATP title in Beijing on Wednesday, before travelling down to Shanghai hours later.

With no Carlos Alcaraz, who has withdrawn because of “physical issues”, Sinner’s main rival in the ATP 1000 tournament looks to be four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic.

“I have only one practice session to get ready, but let’s see,” Sinner said.v

“It’s going to be a very, very difficult and tough challenge, especially the first (match)... you never know what’s going to happen.”