Overview

• Fresh off the China Open title, Sinner arrives in Shanghai as defending champion after beating Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in Beijing.
• Sinner will open on Saturday against Daniel Altmaier after receiving an extra rest day; their head-to-head is 1-1, including a five-set loss for Sinner at Roland Garros 2023.
• Alcaraz pulled out of Shanghai citing physical issues, forfeiting 200 points and opening a scenario in which press projections have Sinner potentially returning to No. 1 on Oct. 27 if he defends Shanghai and follows up strongly.
• Sinner says he feels well after the intestinal issue in Beijing and is trialing incremental tweaks such as serve adjustments and selective net approaches, echoed by coach Simone Vagnozzi.
• Djokovic confirmed his entry and said he would welcome another meeting with Sinner, raising the prospect of a high-profile rematch later in the tournament.