Jannik Sinner vs. Ben Shelton, there’s a hurdle to a rematch

A big doubt before the long-awaited rematch.

Jannik Sinner vs. Ben Shelton, again. That è what decided the draw for the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna, immediately presenting an opportunity for a rematch for the South Tyrolean against the man who eliminated him in the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters 1000. Yet this same challenge may never even take place.

Shelton è indeed expected to undergo a real tour de force, as he is expected to show up in Vienna a little more than 24 hours after the Tokyo final won in two sets over Aslan Karatsev (7-5, 6-1). Therefore, the most unexpected scenario cannot be ruled out: that which would cause the American to declare a forfeit and not show up in Austria in time to face Sinner.

The prospect è actually all to be explored, since Vienna is awarded 500 world ranking points that could make Shelton, still in the hunt for a chance to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, no small feat. To do so, he must però enter the top eight in the world, a mission that involves another feat against Sinner.