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Djokovic Reaches Shanghai Quarters as Heat and Withdrawals Upend the Field and Year-End Stakes

Player welfare is under scrutiny in Shanghai’s punishing humidity.

Overview

  • Novak Djokovic defeated Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 after medical timeouts for a left leg issue and repeated vomiting, becoming the oldest Masters 1000 quarterfinalist at 38 and setting up a match with Zizou Bergs.
  • Defending champion Jannik Sinner retired against Tallon Griekspoor with severe right‑thigh cramps, costing him about 950 ranking points and casting uncertainty over his readiness for the ATP Finals.
  • Carlos Alcaraz, absent with an ankle problem, gained a reported 1,340‑point lead in the race to finish year‑end No. 1, with analyses indicating he could clinch the top spot with moderate results in ParisBercy or Turin.
  • Alexander Zverev exited in the third round to Arthur Rinderknech after alleging tournament and ATP court-speed homogenization benefiting Alcaraz and Sinner, claims Sinner refuted by noting players do not decide surface preparation.
  • Players and reports cite extreme heat and 80–90% humidity as drivers of cramps and distress, prompting renewed calls for broader extreme‑heat protocols beyond the Grand Slams, with Holger Rune among those urging action.