Carlos Alcaraz experienced something a little different in his first match at the Shanghai Masters.
The 21-year-old had little time to relax after claiming his fourth title of the season at the China Open. Alcaraz came from a set down to defeat Jannik Sinner in a pulsating three hour final in Beijing.
Less than 24 hours after an epic 10th encounter, the pair were in Shanghai getting ready for the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the year.
They were given an extra day to rest and recover before beginning their respective campaigns, and Alcaraz wasted little time booking his spot in the next round.
What did Carlos Alcaraz find ‘unusual’ about his opening round Shanghai Masters match?
Carlos Alcaraz did not look like a player who was starting a new tournament just three days after winning another in a sensational final lasting longer than three hours. On Saturday the Spaniard took on Shang Juncheng, who won his first ATP Tour title in Chengdu on September 24.
But the teenager was unable to live with the four-time Grand Slam champion who asserted his authority by winning the first nine points of the match.
Alcaraz won four of his seven break points and all of his points at the net in a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 win. Post-match Alcaraz praised his opponent and admitted dealing with something he was not accustomed to.
“I’m not used to playing against players younger than me,” said Alcaraz, who played an opponent two years his junior.
“He has been playing good tennis lately, lifting his first ATP [title in Chengdu], so I’m pretty sure he’s going to climb the rankings. I’m just happy to be able to win these kinds of matches.
“At the net he told me that it’s a pleasure to share the court with you. So these kinds of things that I hear from [younger players], it’s great.”
Who does Carlos Alcaraz play next?
After producing an entertaining performance against Shang which included a audacious backward flick to win a point that seemed lost, Alcaraz will next face another player from China.
He will take on Wu Yibing, who upset Nicolas Jarry in the previous round. This will be the pair’s very first career meeting.
The third seed is going for his fifth title of the year and second in a row after claiming the China Open crown.
Alcaraz will aim for his 11th straight win having not lost since he suffered a shock second round US Open exit against Botic van de Zandschulp.
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