Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner Injury Update – What Happened to Jannik Sinner and Why Did He Retire in the Shanghai Masters Against Tallon Griekspoor?

Defending champion Jannik Sinner to retire in humid Shanghai battle

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner’s title defense at the Rolex Shanghai Masters came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night. As the world No. 2 was forced to retire midway through the deciding set of his third-round clash against Tallon Griekspoor. In grueling, humid conditions, the Dutchman led 6-7(3), 7-5, 3-2 when Sinner stopped play, visibly struggling with cramping in his right thigh. An untimely setback that ended the Italian’s hopes of repeating as champion at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The video of the physio helping Jannik Sinner walk to his chair before retiring from the match in Shanghai.

Really tough scenes to watch.

Come back stronger. ❤️‍🩹
pic.twitter.com/JqrLYNDQ5M
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 5, 2025

Griekspoor Moves On as Sinner’s Body Gives In

The match, played over two hours and 36 minutes, was intense from the outset, with Sinner taking the opening set in a tight tiebreak. But the physical toll became apparent late in the second set as he limped between points and massaged his thigh during changeovers. At the start of the third, he was seen wrapping ice towels around his neck and elevating his legs on the bench in an effort to stave off cramps. Despite his determination, the pain grew too severe to continue.

“This is definitely not the way you want to win,” said Griekspoor after the match. “Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I thought we were a little bit lucky to play in the evening without sun, but two hours and 36 minutes on the clock, middle of the third set… I’m sorry for him, I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Jannik Sinner is forced to retire from his match against Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai.

He was cramping so badly that he could hardly stand up straight in his last service game.

The physio had to help him walk to his chair and also helped him walk out of the stadium.

Sad… pic.twitter.com/tuzMBt68r7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 5, 2025

Until Sinner’s retirement, the contest had been on a knife’s edge. Griekspoor’s thunderous serve kept him in the fight throughout the first set before the Italian edged it in a breaker. The Dutchman then saved three break points in the second set’s eighth game, flipped the script, and broke Sinner late to force a decider. But the draining rallies and oppressive humidity took their toll on the defending champion’s body.

Not how anyone wanted it to end 😢

Jannik Sinner is forced to retire hurt in the third set meaning Tallon Griekspoor progresses to the next round #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/QRowNyQwLx
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 5, 2025

With the early break in the third, Griekspoor took control as Sinner’s movement faded. The Dutchman became the first from his country to reach the fourth round in Shanghai, setting up a meeting with qualifier Valentin Vacherot, who also advanced via retirement. For Sinner, the abrupt end serves as a harsh reminder that even the fittest players can succumb to the game’s physical extremes.

Mandatory Image Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

2025

Jannik Sinner

Retirement

Shanghai Masters

Rudra Dubey

nfl

mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.