Jannik Sinner has responded after David Goffin added Ben Shelton to his list of scalps just months after defeating Carlos Alcaraz.
The Belgian made a strong start to the Shanghai Masters, defeating the sixth seed Shelton 6-2, 6-4. It was a superb performance from the 34-year-old, who proved once again that he can still beat the best on the ATP Tour.
Earlier this year, he stunned the world number on Alcaraz at the Miami Open, coming from behind to win in three sets. His win in Shanghai was another reminder that Goffin is still capable of producing moments of magic.
One person paying close attention was world number two Sinner, who was in the stands watching on. During one rally, Shelton fired a serve down the middle before charging towards the net.
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He smashed a volley into the corner, only for Goffin to reach it and play a superb backhand passing shot. The camera panned to Sinner, who was sat nodding his head in approval.
Will Jannik Sinner play in Shanghai?
Fans will not have to wait long to see Sinner himself take to the court, with his round of 64 opener scheduled for Saturday.
He will take on the German Daniel Altmaier, who he has not faced for more than two years.
But in their last meeting it was the German that came out on top, knocking the Italian out of the French Open.
Sinner arrives in Shanghai full of confidence having defeated the teenager Learner Tien to lift the China Open.
The Italian has already developed into one of the most prolific players on the ATP Tour, with 21 titles to his name and 18 of those coming on hard courts.
He will be confident of adding to that tally in Shanghai as he looks to defend his crown.
Who else will play at the Shanghai Masters?
Novak Djokovic is the other standout name in the draw.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will take another veteran of the tour in his first game, with Marin Cilic lying in wait.
If both Sinner and Djokovic can both safely navigate their way through the early rounds, they are set to meet in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the other dominant force in men's tennis Carlos Alcaraz decided to pull out of the Shanghai Masters.
Despite winning the recent Japan Open, he decided that it was important to rest and recover from physical issues that he had developed.
Topics: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Tennis, Novak Djokovic
James Taylor