Jannik Sinner's comments on Carlos Alcaraz back in focus after Shanghai Masters blow

Former World No. 1 Jannik Sinner saw his Shanghai Masters dream ended by injury, mere days after answering questions on Carlos Alcaraz's choice to skip the very same tournament. Sinner had traded sets with Tallon Griekspoor during his third-round encounter but was forced to retire after agonising cramp left him scarcely able to move during the decider. The toll of an exhausting season can affect anyone, including those at the very top of the game. For Japan Open winner Alcaraz, this meant bypassing the tournament altogether due to concerns over his ankle.

"I'm very disappointed to announce that I won't be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!" Alcaraz wrote on social media. "Unfortunately, I've been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover. I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!" Alcaraz's withdrawal left world No. 2 Sinner as the top-ranked player in Shanghai, but the Italian hasn't been able to successfully defend his title.

Sinner received a bye through to the second round, where he defeated Daniel Altmaier, but couldn't continue after cramp struck during his clash with Griekspoor. He had displayed little indication that he would endure such suffering in his third-round battle, though, and appeared in good shape in the lead-up to the tournament.

Still, after learning that Alcaraz wouldn't be participating in the tournament, he acknowledged the importance of heeding your body's warnings and taking time off when necessary. "Well, I skipped already many tournaments. Last year, for example, not playing a couple of tournaments," Sinner revealed when informed about Alcaraz's decision, acknowledging that different players will have varying perspectives on their choices.

"For me, I skipped a couple of tournaments [last year] because I think it was the right choice for my body and mind," he further explained. "Also this year I didn't play Toronto, for example, or Montreal.

"You have sometimes to jump some tournaments. You can always choose. That's why I say, yes, they're mandatory, but at the end of the day you can still choose. I chose always or I will keep still choosing for my best."

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Griekspoor now has a golden opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals in Shanghai. His fourth round adversary is Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot, who also benefited from a retirement after Thomas Machac withdrew from their match.

"This is definitely not the way you want to win," Griekspoor admitted following his victory. "Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I thought we were a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours and 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set... I'm sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery."

Top seeds Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have also been knocked out early, although Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic are among the big names still in contention.