Shanghai Masters bosses break traditional rule to help Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner | Tennis | Sport

Shanghai Masters bosses are reportedly prepared to break tradition to allow Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner a longer rest after their China Open showdown. Alcaraz edged a thrilling final in Beijing on Wednesday but both players headed straight into their next tournament, which started on the same day.

The duo have been placed in the same side of the draw at the Shanghai Masters and were given a bye in the opening round as seeded players. Alcaraz faces a tough test against the highly-rated Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng in round two, while Sinner will come up against Taro Daniel.

Matches on their side of the draw are due to be played on Friday. That would have left Alcaraz and Sinner with less than 48 hours between their China Open final and their opening matches in Shanghai.

However, Portuguese publication Record claim that Shanghai Masters organisers may allow them to play their matches on Saturday, alongside the ties from the second half of the draw. Alcaraz and Sinner would therefore have an extra day’s rest.

Players have recently raised complaints over the gruelling nature of the tennis schedule. The 21-year-old Alcaraz has claimed that tennis bosses could “kill” players if they continue expanding the calendar.

Sinner has taken a softer view, pointing out that his rivals are able to withdraw from the majority of events.

Both stars – ranked third and first in the ATP rankings, respectively – have shared two Grand Slams apiece this year. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a deciding third set in Beijing, winning 6-7 6-4 7-6.

“He could win in two, I could win in two, he could win in three, I mean, it was a really close match,” Alcaraz reflected. “He showed that he is the best player in the world, at least for me.

“The level he is playing at is unbelievable, really high quality of tennis. Physically and mentally, he is a beast. I had my chances in the first set but didn’t make it. I’m proud of myself with how I played the match and managed everything.

“To be able to come back has been really good. I’m really happy. I gave myself the chance to keep going and play aggressively and I’m really happy that I made it.

“I never lost hope but I thought: ‘Okay, I have to give everything that I have just to try and give myself an opportunity to be close’. I played great points and just thought to go for it, at least if I lost I would have went for it.”