Carlos Alcaraz forfeits: here’s when Jannik Sinner can return number one
Carlos Alcaraz has decided to take a break: after stellar months and the’eighth tournament won in 2025 in Tokyo, the new world number one has announced that he will skip the Shanghai Masters 1000 scheduled in a few days. The Spanish player has decided to rest ahead of the season’s final exertions, including Paris, Davis Cup and ATP Finals.
In addition, the Murcia star has to deal with an ankle problem that has plagued him during the weeks in Japan:“I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to play in the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year! Unfortunately, I am struggling with some physical problems, and after discussions with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover. I was looking forward to playing again in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai. I hope to come back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!”.
Alcaraz’s unexpected forfeit could favor Sinner, who can make a decisive comeback. The South Tyrolean, who winning in the finals in Beijing Sunday would bring himself within striking distance of 590 points in the standings, will fly to Shanghai to defend his 2024 victory. Alcaraz will lose 200 points with his waiver, and in case of success the Italian would find himself only 390 points behind his arch-rival.
Sinner would then set his sights on the Vienna ATP 500, in which he has already confirmed his participation.
A win in Austria would allow him to take back the throne from Alcaraz, who has yet to decide whether or not to participate in the tournament. But it would be a tough tour de force for the Blue (there’s also the Six Kings Slam in mid-October), which could then negatively affect his season finale.
