Overview

• Jannik Sinner stopped in the third set against Tallon Griekspoor with severe right‑thigh cramps at 6-7(3), 7-5, 3-2 in hot, humid conditions reported at 80–90% humidity.
• As the defending champion, Sinner forfeits 950 points; reporting out of Spain puts Alcaraz 1,340 points ahead and notes he could clinch No. 1 by earning 470 points across Paris‑Bercy and the ATP Finals.
• Carlos Alcaraz did not enter Shanghai due to an ankle issue after Tokyo, leaving both leading contenders absent or compromised at this event.
• Alexander Zverev accused tournaments and the ATP of homogenizing court speeds to benefit Alcaraz and Sinner, a claim Sinner dismissed by saying players do not decide how courts are prepared.
• Arthur Rinderknech beat Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, and with Alcaraz out and Sinner retired, Novak Djokovic stands as the highest‑ranked player remaining in Shanghai.