Tennis

In the highly anticipated final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will face off against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic for the first time since their memorable encounter at the Australian Open. Sinner emerged victorious in that match, ultimately claiming his maiden major title.Six months later, Djokovic acknowledged that he needed to improve his game to compete with the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Serbian has since showcased glimpses of his former brilliance, particularly in his triumph over Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.Sinner has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, dropping only one set en route to the final. His exceptional serving, returning, and baseline play have been instrumental in his success. Djokovic, on the other hand, has also impressed with straight-set victories over Flavio Cobolli and Taylor Fritz.While Sinner possesses superior movement and a more comprehensive game, Djokovic's recent encounter with Fritz, a powerful server, could prove beneficial. Sinner's serve is marginally better than Fritz's, but he has not faced an opponent with Djokovic's exceptional baseline ability in some time.Djokovic's motivation for this match is undeniable. With no Grand Slams remaining in the season, this is an opportunity for him to secure another 1000-level title and demonstrate his continued dominance in the sport. Additionally, a victory would mark his 100th career title, a significant milestone.While Sinner remains a formidable opponent, Djokovic's experience, determination, and recent form suggest that he has a strong chance of winning at least one set.

At the Rolex Shanghai Masters, tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas and LPGA golfer Hannah Green engaged in a friendly mini-golf competition, showcasing their athleticism and camaraderie.Green, a 2019 Women's PGA Championship winner, displayed her exceptional putting skills, leaving Tsitsipas in awe with her hole-in-one. The pair played on a nine-hole course designed by local artist Nancy K. Pon and designer G. T. Percha, which replicates Shanghai's iconic landmarks.Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, admitted to struggling on the greens, highlighting the challenges of putting in a different sport. Despite his self-deprecating humor, Tsitsipas praised Green's abilities, acknowledging her superior skills on the mini-golf course."It's cool to actually meet the players in person and see how tall they are, and how athletic they are," Green said, expressing her excitement at meeting Tsitsipas and other tennis players.The mini-golf competition provided a lighthearted moment amidst the intense competition of the Shanghai Masters. It showcased the versatility and athleticism of both Tsitsipas and Green, highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship that transcends different disciplines.

American tennis sensation Ben Shelton has set up a tantalizing fourth-round clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Shelton, who stunned Sinner at the same stage last year, is eager to repeat his heroics and break the Italian's impressive winning streak.Shelton's victory over Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday was a testament to his growing confidence and all-court prowess. The left-hander served impeccably, winning 35 of his 38 first-serve points and not facing a single break point."I thought I served extremely well, probably my best serving day this year," Shelton said. "I did a good job capitalizing in big moments to get my breaks."Shelton's serve-and-volley game has been a key factor in his recent success. He has won 35 of his 38 first-serve points in Shanghai, and his powerful forehand has been a constant threat.Sinner, on the other hand, has been in dominant form since winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. The Italian has won two majors and reached world No. 1, despite an ongoing anti-doping case.Shelton is aware of the challenge ahead but remains optimistic. "It's always a big opportunity whenever you get to play one of the best two or three players in the world," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it, that will be fun."The American has a 1-4 record against Top 10 opponents this season, but his lone victory came against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Laver Cup. Shelton is hoping to become the first player to oust Sinner before the quarterfinal stage of an event in 2024."Obviously, huge serve and huge forehand," Sinner said when asked about the potential matchup with Shelton. "He has improved a lot, so hopefully I will be ready."In other quarterfinal matchups, seventh seed Taylor Fritz will face 12th seed Holger Rune, while eighth seed Andrey Rublev will take on 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz.

Novak Djokovic, the undisputed GOAT of tennis, made a triumphant return to the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Saturday, after a five-year hiatus. The four-time champion received a thunderous ovation from the packed Qi Zhong Stadium, reminding him of the immense love and support he enjoys in China.Djokovic faced a stern test from rising American Alex Michelsen, who pushed the Serbian legend to the brink in a thrilling two-set battle. The opening set saw Djokovic erase a 4-1 deficit, while the second set featured a dramatic tiebreak where he saved two set points before prevailing 7-6 (9)."These conditions are suitable for him," Djokovic acknowledged. "He has a big serve, an attacking style, and he was all over me in the first five games. It took me some time to shake off the rust."Despite the challenge, Djokovic remained composed and mentally tough, ultimately securing a hard-fought 7-6 (3), 7-6 (9) victory. This triumph marked his 35th win in 40 matches at the ATP Masters 1000 event."I missed being in Shanghai and China," Djokovic expressed. "Five years is too long for the kind of support I receive here. I want to thank everyone for coming out and creating a great atmosphere."Djokovic's victory sets him on the path to potentially claiming his 100th career title, a milestone he has been chasing since his triumph at the Paris Olympics.Meanwhile, top seed Jannik Sinner, second seed Alexander Zverev, and third seed Carlos Alcaraz also advanced in straight sets. Alcaraz, who recently defeated Sinner in the Beijing final, will be a formidable opponent for Djokovic in the later rounds.

Denis Shapovalov, the former world No. 10, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 200th tour-level victory at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The Canadian defeated Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought first-round match, winning 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8).This victory marks a special moment for Shapovalov, as he becomes only the fifth player born in 1999 or later to reach 200 wins. He joins an elite group that includes Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Carlos Alcaraz.Shapovalov's triumph also makes him just the third Canadian man to achieve 200 wins in the Open Era, following Milos Raonic and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Vasek Pospisil is the only other Canadian man to reach 100 wins, with 136 to his name.After a challenging period last year, where he missed the second half of the season due to a knee injury, Shapovalov has been steadily regaining his form. He has made impressive runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the third round at both events. He also reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event in Washington D.C.Shapovalov's recent success has seen him break back into the Top 100, currently ranked at No. 101. With no ranking points to defend for the rest of the season, he has a great opportunity to finish the year well within the Top 100.In the second round of the Shanghai Masters, Shapovalov will face the No. 14 seed, Ben Shelton, who received a first-round bye.