Home SPORTS Shanghai Masters: Alexander Zverev Loses to Arthur Rinderknech

Shanghai Masters: Alexander Zverev Loses to Arthur Rinderknech

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Arthur Rinderknech and Alexander Zverev
Rinderknech stuns world number 3 Zverev in Shanghai




Tennis news: World number three Alexander Zverev knocked out of Shanghai Masters by Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. Read more.


“I fought like hell, tried everything. (Zverev) is such a good player...”


World number three Alexander Zverev suffered a shocking exit at the Shanghai Masters, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to France's Arthur Rinderknech. The 54th-ranked Frenchman staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a set deficit to outmaneuver Zverev in the challenging conditions.


The match was played in sweltering heat, with spectators fanning themselves and using cool packs to cope with the suffocating humidity. Zverev struggled to adapt, pausing mid-match to change his sweat-soaked shoes, but ultimately couldn't overcome the obstacles. Despite a strong start, Zverev's form faltered, and Rinderknech seized the opportunity to claim victory.




Zverev's loss means Novak Djokovic now leads the tournament rankings. Alex de Minaur, the seventh seed, advanced to the fourth round with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Kamil Majchrzak, praising his ability to adapt to the tough conditions.


The German player had recently suffered a big toe injury during his Shanghai match, but on Monday, he appeared unaffected. He broke Rinderknech in the third game with a forehand winner, showcasing his form.




The momentum shifted in the second set, where the German nearly went ahead early. However, Rinderknech regained his composure and applied pressure in the fourth game, ultimately breaking the German player to gain the upper hand.


“I'm not very sure (how I managed to turn the game around),” he said.


“I fought like hell, tried everything. (Zverev) is such a good player... I knew it was going to be a battle.


“Starting in the second set... I was able to be offensive at the right moment, in a smarter way,” he said.


Rinderknech kept the momentum going in the third set, breaking Zverev in the third game. The oppressive heat and humidity took its toll, with spectators fanning themselves and using cool packs to cope. Zverev, struggling with sweat-soaked shoes, was forced to pause mid-match to change them.


Despite the shoe change, Zverev's fortunes didn't improve. He double-faulted in the seventh game, allowing Rinderknech to break again and seal his victory.

Arthur Rinderknech sealed his win with an ace, striking a triumphant pose before dancing joyfully around the court. The French player, ranked 54th, stunned world number three Alexander Zverev with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory, booking his spot in the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters.


Zverev's exit propels world number five Novak Djokovic to the top of the rankings as the tournament progresses. Djokovic is eyeing a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai. The competition has seen notable exits, including defending champion Jannik Sinner, who retired due to severe leg cramps, and fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz.


World number one Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn from the tournament to rest. Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur cruises into the fourth round after a convincing 6-1, 7-5 win over Poland's Kamil Majchrzak. De Minaur's victory marks another milestone in his season, with 48 tour-level wins, making him the first Australian man to achieve this feat since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004.A




As the highest-ranked player in his half of the draw, De Minaur faces either Nuno Borges or Juncheng Shang in the next round. His progress in Shanghai has been impressive, with 36 hard-court wins this year, the most on the surface.


“I came into this week knowing how tough the conditions were going to be,” the world number seven said.


“So the mindset ultimately is surviving, finding ways, and getting ready for battles every time you step out on the court.”


Alex de Minaur will face Portugal's Nuno Borges next, who recently defeated home favorite Shang Juncheng with a score of 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3. This sets up an interesting matchup between De Minaur's speed and Borges's consistency. Borges's ability to adapt to different playing styles will be put to the test against De Minaur's strong baseline defense and counter-punching effectiveness.




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