Ben Shelton last challenged Jannik Sinner in July. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Sinner, Shelton, Shanghai: There was something there, wasn't there?

Since Tuesday morning, Jannik Sinner knows his next opponent at the Masters tournament in Shanghai. It is an old acquaintance with whom he still has a score to settle in China.

08 October 2024

From: fop

Due to the rain break on Monday, Jannik Sinner's next appearance at the high-level hard court tournament in the Chinese metropolis was postponed until Wednesday morning (6.30:XNUMX a.m., CEST). The world number one therefore had the opportunity to take a close look at his opponent in the round of XNUMX. His name is Ben Shelton.

The US boy, who at 21 years of age is considered one of the greatest tennis talents in the world, clearly defeated Roberto Carballes Baena (ATP 54) on Tuesday with 6:3, 6:4.

A painful defeat

This means that the reunion will take place where Shelton inflicted Sinner's only, albeit extremely painful, defeat in a direct duel. A year ago, the South Tyrolean, who had travelled to Shanghai as the Beijing winner, lost to the American in a hard-fought third-round match over three sets. It was the first time the two had met.

Jannik Sinner is in the round of 16 in Shanghai. © APA/afp / HECTOR RETAMAL

But Sinner subsequently took revenge against Shelton three times - and without losing a single set. The 23-year-old from Sexten won his last match in Wimbledon 6:2, 6:4, 7:6. Since their first duel a year ago, Sinner has climbed the world rankings to number one, while Shelton is currently in 16th place in the ATP rankings.

Sinner inspires the Chinese

The hype that Sinner has created on his China tour is correspondingly huge. No matter where and when the number one appears in public, journalists, photographers and fans immediately flock to him. Sinner's popularity in Shanghai has his caring gesture towards a young ball girl increased rapidly again. On Tuesday, he was even besieged by fans in the hotel lobby, but Sinner patiently stood by for selfies and autographs.