By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, October 4, 2025
Photo credit: Antoine Couvercelle/ROLEX
Jannik Sinner launched his Shanghai defense on the offensive.
Empowered by his run to the Beijing title, Sinner broke early in both sets defeating Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 on a sweltering evening at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Launching his quest to join Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as the third man to successfully defend the Shanghai crown, Sinner improved to 23-2 lifetime in China. Overall, Sinner raised his 2025 record to 43-5.
“I knew before the match it was going to be very difficult today,” said Sinner. “I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt here, but it makes it even more special.
“Every day, every opponent is very difficult, it’s a huge challenge. So I’m very happy to come through today and hopefully I’m able to raise my level tomorrow.”
Straddling the baseline in an effort to keep rallies brief, Sinner served 63 percent, won 30 of 34 first-serve points and saved both break points he faced in a one hour, 38-minute win.
It was Sinner’s sixth straight win following his China Open title run where he swept Learner Tien in the final.
Wimbledon winner Sinner is bidding for his fifth consecutive final and to close the gap on world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew from Shanghai after defeating Taylor Fritz to win the Tokyo title.
“Everything is different. It’s much more humid and it can feel much more physical here,” Sinner said of the transition from Beijing to Shanghai. “I tried to rest, but it is difficult after you win a title. You have to have a great balance of practice.
“Obviously now the priority is to feel as good as I can physically for the next one.”
Next up for Sinner is Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.
The 27th-seeded Griekspoor saved five of seven break points in a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 win over American Jenson Brooksby.
In a clash of creative left-handers, Learner Tien topped Corentin Moutet, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Moutet had replaced Alcaraz at the top of the draw.
The 19-year-old Tien will take on Cameron Norrie next.
No. 30-seeded Norrie edged Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 6-3, 0-6, 7-6(5).
Third-seeded Alexander Zverev zapped 12 aces against 2 double faults and denied five break points in a 6-4, 6-4 win over French qualifier Valentin Royer. Zverev will face another Frenchman, Arthur Rinderknech, in round two.
