"Normal for tennis player, we have to deal with it" - Carlos Alcaraz shrugs off 'pain' after Jannik Sinner admits feeling fatigued at Shanghai Masters
Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about his physical condition at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, shortly after Jannik Sinner's admission of feeling physically taxed after his third-round win. The two are competing in Shanghai just days removed from their blockbuster clash in the China Open final, where the Spaniard claimed a hard-fought 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner have advanced to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters. Sinner, the World No. 1, battled back from a set down to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2 after a two-hour and 39-minute battle.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Jannik Sinner disclosed that the "tough match" had taken a physical toll on him, and he emphasized the need to prioritize recovery before his fourth-round encounter.
"I'm just happy to be part of these kind of matches as always and, you know, it's, for sure, was something good. But also it's important for me that the day for tomorrow, I have one day off, which I need to recover, it's, for me, trying to prioritize this kind of thing now, and hopefully be ready for after tomorrow," Sinner said.
Carlos Alcaraz had an easier path to the Round of 16, claiming a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over home favorite Wu Yibing. In his post-match press conference, the Spaniard was asked whether he was experiencing physical fatigue like Sinner.
Although the 21-year-old acknowledged feeling "some pain," he added that such discomfort was normal for tennis players and that he felt "great" overall.
"Well, I'm feeling great. Honestly, I'm feeling some pain in some part of the body, but what is normal for tennis player, you know, we have to deal with it. I'm feeling great," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz also highlighted the significant difference between his and Sinner's playing styles. He said the Italian had endured a more physically taxing match against Etcheverry, while his own encounter was less demanding.
"I think we both have different style on the court. I mean, today he played a really intense match, long rallies, long match. So, for me the last two matches has been not really tough physically, you know, in terms of physically," Carlos Alcaraz said.
"So, I'm just feeling great, really happy to have a day off to recover, to practice a little bit and take it easy and be ready for the next round," he added.
Carlos Alcaraz to take on Gael Monfils or Ugo Humbert in Shanghai Masters 4R; Jannik Sinner will face Ben Shelton or Roberto Carballes Baena
Following his win over Wu Yibing, Carlos Alcaraz will square off against the winner of the match between Gael Monfils and Ugo Humbert in the fourth round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters. If the Spaniard emerges victorious in the Round of 16 clash, he will likely face Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner will battle it out against Ben Shelton or Roberto Carballes Baena for a place in the fourth round. Daniil Medvedev looms as the World No. 1's potential quarterfinal opponent.
Drawn in the same half, Alcaraz and Sinner remain on course to clash in the semifinals of the Masters 1000 event.