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In a dramatic third-round match at the Shanghai Masters, Jannik Sinner was forced to retire against Tallon Griekspoor following experiencing debilitating muscle cramps in humid conditions.

The match concluded with the world No. 2 behind his Dutch opponent 7-6(3), 5-7, 2-3 when the Italian gave in to physical issues.

Harsh Environment Take Their Toll in Shanghai

Throughout the closing stages of a long and grueling season, playing environments in the Chinese city have been particularly severe, with players facing 90% humidity on the weekend.

Numerous athletes struggled badly in these challenging situations, even those set for the evening matches.

In Sinner's case, being placed in the night provided minimal respite from a determined Griekspoor, who pushed the match into a third set.

During the third set, the Italian had clearly declined physically, hobbling and cramping severely before taking the choice to withdraw.

Opponent's Response to the Unexpected Win

“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” commented the Dutchman. “Extreme conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I believed we were still a little bit fortunate to play in the evening without sun, but two hours, 36 minutes on the clock, halfway of the final set. Sorry for him, I wish him quick recovery.”

Tournament Implications

Carlos Alcaraz had pulled out from Shanghai prior to the competition due to an ankle injury sustained in his championship campaign in Japan earlier this week.

Sinner’s retirement offers a major chance for the other competitors, such as the Serbian star, who advanced to the fourth round with a hard-fought three-set victory over his German opponent.

Anisimova’s Breakthrough in China

In other news, the American talent carried on her incredible breakthrough season by winning the biggest title of her career at the Beijing tournament.

She defeated Linda Noskova 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 to claim the championship.

Anisimova has now won two WTA 1000 titles this season—at the China Open and Qatar Open—while also making two major finals at Wimbledon and the Flushing Meadows.

Having been ranked as low as 41st in February, she now sits at No. 4 in the WTA rankings and No. 3 in the WTA race.

This has secured her a place in the year-end championships in Saudi Arabia for the maiden appearance in her career.

Overcoming Challenges

Anisimova's rise over the past nine days has been particularly gratifying considering she underwent dental surgery on the same day she flew to China.

“It has been a challenging period for me here, for sure,” she admitted. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself. In my opinion I can take a lot of positives and look at it as a lot of growth for me just figuring out ways to face certain challenges and push myself in times when it feels like I can’t go any forward. I feel like in that sense I learned that I’m stronger than I imagined. That’s a major achievement for me.”