The 24-year-old Italian defeated teenager Learner Tien to clinch his 21st ATP title in Beijing. Within hours of his triumph, he travelled south to Shanghai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have only one practice session to get ready, but let\u2019s see,\u201d Sinner was quoted by ATP as saying. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a very, very difficult and tough challenge, especially the first (match)... You never know what\u2019s going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Shanghai Masters will be missing World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who pulled out citing \"physical issues\". That leaves four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic as the biggest obstacle to Sinner\u2019s repeat bid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last year, Sinner memorably beat Djokovic in the final to lift the Shanghai trophy, marking one of the biggest victories of his career. Yet the Italian, who has confirmed he will only have one practice session before his opening match, is focused from the outset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After his US Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, which also cost him his World No. 1 spot. , Sinner hinted at subtle changes in his game. Those tweaks, he says, are beginning to pay off, but he remains hungry for more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last year, Sinner memorably beat Djokovic in the final to lift the Shanghai trophy, marking one of the biggest victories of his career. Yet the Italian, who has confirmed he will only have one practice session before his opening match, is focused from the outset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201dBut it's also normal, and I'm just looking forward to having as many matches as possible in every tournament. This gives me the chance to try as many things as possible. So, let's see, but we are quite happy with the work we are doing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n