Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will get slightly more time to recover from their epic 2024 China Open final after the Shanghai Masters adjusted the planned schedule to assist them.
Tennis fans are still talking about the pair's incredible final in Beijing. Due to their previous battles, there are always high expectations when they meet, but Alcaraz and Sinner's China Open epic might be their second-best match.
The two may never produce a match as extraordinary as the 2022 US Open quarterfinal that Alcaraz won in five sets. However, the drama between the two in Beijing left those inside the stadium mesmerized from start to finish.
Sinner recovered from behind to win the first set 7-6 on a tiebreak. Alcaraz had multiple opportunities to close out the set, and recovering from that setback seemed challenging.
The Spaniard showed his immense mentality in the final two sets. After winning the second set 6-4, Alcaraz secured the title by overcoming the world No. 1 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 after a memorable deciding set.
It was a shame that either man had to lose after they both put so much effort into the contest for over three hours. Alcaraz rightly said tennis would gain new fans after his incredible match with Sinner, which was watched by millions.
Both men undoubtedly would have preferred a week off after playing a match of such length, physicality, and intensity, but they do not get that luxury since the Shanghai Masters has already started.
Alcaraz will feel this is an example of the calendar being too long and intense, an issue he has spoken up about. The 21-year-old admitted there have been times he did not want to travel to a tournament because he felt slightly burnt out.
Sinner was more diplomatic about the schedule when asked about it before the China Open began, pointing out that Alcaraz does not have to play at every event. It would be interesting to know whether the Italian feels differently after his efforts in Beijing.
Sinner is the No. 1 seed at the Shanghai Masters, while Alcaraz is No. 3. That means they are both in the top half of the draw and could meet in the semifinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Being in the top half of the draw also meant they were scheduled to play on Friday. That would have led to both men competing approximately 48 hours after their outstanding China Open final.
Flying straight to Shanghai, recovering from their final, and competing again so quickly would have put much strain on Alcaraz and Sinner, increasing the risk of an injury to one or both of the ATP stars.
Thankfully, the Shanghai Masters tournament organizers made the right decision and gave Alcaraz and Sinner an extra day to rest. Even playing three days after the China Open final will be challenging, but it gives them a fighting chance in Shanghai.
Alcaraz and Sinner's rivalry seems destined to develop into one of the best in tennis history. Protecting both men so they do not become burnt out or injury-prone is essential.
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