Sinner rallies from a set down to reach Shanghai fourth round

Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience in a gripping comeback win on Sunday to advance to the fourth round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

The World No. 1 passed the test posed by Tomas Martin Etcheverry, prevailing 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 39 minutes to improve to 2-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

"It was a very tough match, physically [and] mentally, so I am very happy to get through this one," said Sinner, who is seeking a seventh title in 2024 in Shanghai. "I felt like it was a tough set that I lost. I had my chances [to win the set], but these things can happen.

"Sometimes you have to wait for your chances, which I have done, trying to stay calm mentally, and today that was the key."

The cream rises to the ?@janniksin comes from a set down to defeat Etcheverry 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 and return to the Round of 16 in Shanghai.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/m8pveGJg99

Sinner will face either Roberto Carballes Baena or Ben Shelton to secure his spot in the quarter-finals. If he is to face Shelton, the No. 16 in the PIF ATP Rankings, it would be an intriguing repeat of last year's fourth-round clash, which the American won in a deciding-set tie-break.

Both players had opportunities to snatch the opening set, but it was Etcheverry who held his nerve. Facing two set points, the Argentine turned defence into attack with ease to rally out of trouble and pull clear in a tie-break.

The 25-year-old won six from seven net points in the opening set, according to Infosys ATP Stats, underpinned by a delightful drop volley to bring up three set points before converting at the first opportunity.

Aiming to match his career-best run in Shanghai, Sinner found an extra gear at the start of the second set. Despite exchanging breaks in the fifth and sixth games, the 23-year-old remained concentrated to level the contest at one set apiece.

Etcheverry did well to weather the oncoming storm, saving three break points in the first game of the decider, but the further pressure from Sinner on return eventually proved too much for the World No. 37 as he dropped serve in the third game. From there, Sinner kept his foot on the gas, withstanding three more break points in a lengthy sixth game before cruising to victory.

The top seed, who notched the 250th tour-level win of his career against Taro Daniel in the second round, is in strong contention to lift his seventh title of the season after falling short to Carlos Alcaraz in the China Open final last week.

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