Ex-ATP Pro Convinced Tennis Has Become ‘Brutal’ as He Questions ‘Greedy’ Players’ Decisions After Jannik Sinner’s Shanghai Retirement

Jannik Sinner is no longer a part of the Shanghai Masters, given that he handed his third-round opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, the walkover, because he was cramping. Sinner’s withdrawal, as well as the mid-match retirement of several players, has finally forced the ATP to take some action. The ATP is open to coming up with a heat rule to address the situation.

Italian former player Paolo Bertolucci wants the players to skip some tournaments to focus on recovery. He also censured the hectic 11-month calendar and several rules that can prevent players from making the right decisions.

In these conditions, cramps happen. Nothing strange. I only had them once on court; I was going crazy. Commentating on the match with Griekspoor on TV, I immediately knew he would retire. So many withdrawals and controversy?

Paolo Bertolucci said during an interview with the newspaper La Repubblica

Due to his withdrawal, it has become only tough for Sinner to end the season as the No.1 player. Carlos Alcaraz, who skipped the Shanghai Masters due to an ankle injury, has a lead of over 1000 points. He dethroned Sinner from the No.1 ranking after clinching the US Open.

The players are greedy. They play, they take, and they don’t stop. The organizers do everything to have the best. Without the big names, the tournament has no appeal, and without the most charismatic names, even the sponsors flee; there’s less appeal. Tennis has become brutal. Less technique, less tactics, more physical.

Paolo Bertolucci added

Sinner’s next destination is Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam that will offer $6 million to the winner. The four-time Grand Slam champion took home the prize money last year after beating Alcaraz in the final.

After the Six Kings Slam, Sinner will be participating in the Vienna Open, which he clinched in 2023 by beating Daniil Medvedev, and had skipped it last year. The Paris Master is not a part of Sinner’s schedule, but it’s uncertain whether he would be playing the tournament.

Andy Roddick says Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawals are not their fault

Former player Andy Roddick pointed out that even for players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the 11-month calendar can create a lot of problems. Roddick is never a fan of the packed calendar, and he wants those who are angry about Sinner and Alcaraz’s withdrawals to calm down because none of the players pulled out of the event intentionally. He said on his Served Podcast:

This schedule continues to suck; it always has. And it’s only getting worse. Who pays the bill? Often it’s the fans. The players, too, of course. But you have to make compromises. Some people are angry because Alcaraz decided not to play while Sinner dropped out. It’s not their fault. You can’t do everything all the time. From January 1 to the end of November, year after year. It’s simply impossible. It’s too much to ask.

After the Six Kings Slam, Alcaraz will next be playing the Paris Masters, where his run had ended in the third round with a three-set defeat to Ugo Humbert. He has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals in the indoor hard-court event in Paris, reaching the stage in 2022.

This year, the Spaniard has so far played 10 finals, winning eight titles- the most successful player on the tour this year. Alcaraz clinched his eighth title of the season at the Japan Open by beating Taylor Fritz. It was his maiden title in Tokyo in his first appearance. He chose to feature in Tokyo by skipping the China Open, which he clinched last year by beating Sinner.

Also read: Alexander Zverev Makes Explosive Statements About his Form and Health After Shanghai Exit

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