Overview

• Alexander Zverev beat qualifier Valentin Royer 6:4, 6:4 in Shanghai but felt sharp pain in his right big toe late in the match and finished after a brief physio consultation.
• He is slated to face Arthur Rinderknech next in the third round, a rematch after Zverev’s shock first‑round exit to the Frenchman at Wimbledon.
• Zverev said the physio indicated the issue was not bone‑related; he suspects a capsule injury and has scheduled a doctor’s examination.
• The world No. 3 says months of back problems have limited his serve and rotational movements, and he reduced training after the US Open to receive injections.
• He criticized an overloaded calendar and alleged court homogenization that he says benefits Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, drawing a rebuttal from Sinner and public scrutiny over his participation in show events such as the Laver Cup and the planned Saudi exhibition.