Tennis LIVE: Injuries wreak havoc at Shanghai Masters as £4.5m tournament postponed

5 hours ago14:01 Yasmin Syed

Iga Swiatek is through to the Wuhan Open quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Ashlyn Krueger.

But it was tougher than the scoreline suggested, as the No. 7 seed was pushed in most of her service games, battling through.

Swiatek is vying for a place in the WTA Finals, but she's currently out of the qualification zone. A big run here could help her.

5 hours ago13:48 Yasmin Syed

Carlos Alcaraz will return to the Vienna Open for the first time since 2021.

The world No. 3 suffered a shock third-round exit in Shanghai and was then due to compete in next week's Six Kings Slam exhibition event before it was postponed.

The ATP 500 event in Vienna suffered a blow when defending champion Jannik Sinner ended his season, ruling him out of action. But they'll now have Alcaraz competing in just a couple of weeks' time.

6 hours ago13:26 Yasmin Syed

Alex de Minaur is rueing his missed opportunities after suffering a 6-4 6-4 defeat to Alexander Zverev in Shanghai.

The ninth seed failed to convert all five of his break point opportunities today, and later said: "I thought Sascha served and played at an incredibly high level. I had two bad service games that were the real difference.

"Then in the second set, I had those break point chances on, you know, two second serves, which was quite rare, and I should have done a lot better than that. I missed a return there, which is not good enough. Then, yeah, that was basically it.

"I mean, I got into trouble in the service games, and that was the difference. The way Sascha was serving today it was pretty hard to get a look and, yeah, all in all, I thought he went after it and played pretty big tennis."

Alex de Minaur went 0/5 on break points today (Image: Getty)

6 hours ago13:05 Yasmin Syed

Iga Swiatek is at it again.

The Polish star hands out so many 'bagel' and 'breakstick' sets, aka 6-0 and 6-1 sets, that fans have joked that she has her own bakery.

And it's open for business today in Wuhan, as she's just taken the first set 6-1 over Ashlyn Krueger.

From the source Out in front 💪@iga_swiatek takes a 6-1 lead against Krueger in Wuhan!#dongfengvoyahwuhanopen https://t.co/0g06CfUcmh

6 hours ago12:47 Yasmin Syed

Iga Swiatek has only been on court for 20 minutes, but she already leads lucky loser Ashlyn Krueger 4-0.

She came through a tight opening service game before breaking the American twice to storm ahead.

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6 hours ago12:39 Yasmin Syed

Alexander Zverev believes he really stepped up his level to beat Alex de Minaur in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals after coming through a tight match in the previous round.

"I mean, I think it was a huge step up. I don’t know what the numbers were but from playing the match and just being on court, I thought both of us were playing really, really well," he said.

"And I was, a lot of the times, outhitting Alex which is difficult to do, I hink, from the baseline because he is so fast and he loves this kind of court here.

"I felt good and I’m happy with the step up from the last couple of matches, for sure."

7 hours ago12:30 Yasmin Syed

Alexander Zverev is through to his fifth Masters 1000 semi-final of the season.

The top seed sealed a straightforward 6-4 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur to advance to the last four in Shanghai for the first time since 2019.

He will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Alexander Zverev is through to the last four (Image: Getty)

7 hours ago12:22 Yasmin Syed

Sonay Kartal admitted that she put on a "flawless" display to stun Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-0 at the Wuhan Open, winning the last 11 games in a row.

Addressing the crowd, the Brit said: "Against someone as good as Jasmine is, I knew from the start in every point I was going to have to be solid and not let the concentration slip. I think from my side, it was a pretty flawless performance, so yeah, happy to get through that one.

"Last year, I didn’t get to play this event, so I’m very happy to be here this year. I love the environment, I love the courts here, I love the atmosphere. When uou play on a court like this, it’s easy to be up for it."

7 hours ago11:59 Yasmin Syed

What a week for Sonay Kartal.

The Brit, who is ranked down at No. 170 in the world after spending six months sidelined by a back injury, is through to the Wuhan Open quarter-finals.

She's just stunned 15th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-0, winning 11 straight games after going an early break down.

The 24-year-old had already upset ninth seed Belinda Bencic. Now she's taken out another top player.

Paolini fell apart after taking that early break, and hit a staggering 24 unforced errors to just eight from Kartal.

From the source Sonay strikes⚡️Sonay Kartal is into the quarterfinals in Wuhan after a huge win against Paolini!#dongfengvoyahwuhanopen https://t.co/7jHxdpqULi

7 hours ago11:50 Yasmin Syed

Top seed Alexander Zverev is a set away from the semi-finals.

He's just taken the opener 6-4 over Alex de Minaur.

One break was enough for the German to pull ahead, and the ninth seed couldn't convert his three opportunities.

Seven winners for Zverev so far.

8 hours ago11:31 Yasmin Syed

From a break down at 1-2, Sonay Kartal has absolutely stormed through this opening set in Wuhan.

She's now won five straight games to take it 6-2 against 15th seed Jasmine Paolini.

The world No. 170 is on course to cause a other huge upset here.

She beat ninth seed Belinda Bencic yesterday, and is now closing in on the quarter-finals.

A huge effort for the Brit, who only just returned from a six-month injury layoff.

8 hours ago11:26 Yasmin Syed

Sonay Kartal went an early break down to 15th seed Jasmine Paolini in Wuhan.

But she's since won four games in a row and now leads 5-2, a game away from taking the first set.

Kartal caused a huge upset when she beat world No. 12 Belinda Bencic yesterday. Can she get another scalp?

8 hours ago11:17 Yasmin Syed

It's time for the second quarter-final at the Shanghai Masters, after the first match came to an unfortunate end when Arthur Gea retired 22 minutes in.

Top seed Alexander Zverev is up against Alex de Minaur.

Zverev has been carrying an ankle injury this week. And the speedy Aussie is not someone you want to face if you're feeling something.

Alexander Zverev is continuing his campaign in Shanghai (Image: Getty)

8 hours ago10:54 Yasmin Syed

Sonay Kartal and Jasmine Paolini have been all over the place in the Wuhan Open schedule today.

They were initially slated to play the third match on Court 1. They then got bumped up to the second match on Court 1 when rain delayed play outside.

And there was another change, as they were added to the Centre Court schedule as rain continued to fall.

After wins for Diana Shnaider, Elina Svitolina, and Jelena Ostapenko on centre, it's finally time to see the Brit face the 15th seed.

8 hours ago10:37 Yasmin Syed

Jelena Ostapenko suffered a huge wobble when she dropped six games in a row in the middle of this clash with Leylah Fernandez.

But the world No. 34 recovered to claim a 6-1 1-6 6-4 victory, and she's into the Wuhan Open quarter-finals.

From the source Resilient Ostapenko 💪@JelenaOstapenk8 defeats Fernandez 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 and advances to the quarterfinals!#dongfengvoyahwuhanopen https://t.co/CDSKMRDD5v

9 hours ago10:13 Yasmin Syed

Jannik Sinner's partnership with Darren Cahill seems to have been left "on hold" after the world No. 1 ended his season with a knee injury.

The Italian hasn't played a match since he successfully defended his Wimbledon title in July. And renowned tennis coach Brad Gilbert, who is close with Cahill, revealed that the Aussie has been left in limbo while Sinner tries to rest and recover.

"I’ve been speaking to Darren a lot, and it started with literally he was on his way to the airport from LA going to Cincinnati when he got the call that they’re not going. And basically, he’s been on hold since then," Gilbert said on The Big T podcast.

"I think it’s one of these frustrating things that it’s like, he listens to the doctors, takes a few days off, goes back and hits. Some days he’s fine, and then he gets that pain in the kneecap.

"I think it’s probably one of those tough decisions where, now, he’s going to shut down the rest of the season and rely on rest and strengthening, so no surgery."

9 hours ago09:41 Yasmin Syed

Jelena Ostapenko stormed through the opening set against Leylah Fernandez and then broke to start the second.

But the Canadian has reeled off six games in a row to make it 1-6 6-1. We're off to a decider.

9 hours ago09:40 Yasmin Syed

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina advanced to the Shanghai Masters semi-finals when Arthur Gea was forced to retire just 22 minutes into their match on Thursday.

But after playing back-to-back three-setters, the Spaniard has welcomed the extra rest.

"I would say I feel sorry for him, for Arthur. I was playing good, I wanted to play a good match against him, to see what where I am," the 25th seed said.

"And yeah, of course it's pleasing to have this kind of match here, because I had two matches that was very tough ones. So, yeah, I'm very happy to be in another semi-finals, to enjoy this moment, and for everyone around my team. Now I'm going to take my day off today to enjoy myself."

10 hours ago09:20 Yasmin Syed

Maja Chwalinska has claimed the biggest win of her career, beating world No. 11 Iva Jovic 6-4 6-1 to reach the Wuhan Open quarter-finals.

The Pole stormed into the French Open final as a qualifier this year, but her best win there was against then-world No. 19 Elise Mertens.

Chwalinska looked unstoppable today, and Jovic had no real answers for the 16th seed.

From the source Continues her run 💪Maja Chwalinska makes it to the quarterfinals in Wuhan, defeating Jovic 6-4, 6-1.#dongfengvoyahwuhanopen https://t.co/lkSVnt2chB

10 hours ago09:15 Yasmin Syed

Jelena Ostapenko got off to a slow start against Jessica Pegula yesterday before she ultimately saved three match points to pull off an upset.

But the Latvian is flying in her round-of-16 clash with Leylah Fernandez. She's taken the first set 6-1.

10 hours ago09:01 Yasmin Syed

Over on Court 1, Maria Sakkari has booked her spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-4 win over wildcard Mia Pohankova.

The Greek star raced into a 5-1 lead in the second set before the wildcard started battling back. But Sakkari still got it done.

11 hours ago08:33 Yasmin Syed

No. 10 seed Iva Jovic is in trouble, as she's just dropped the first set tol French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska 6-4.

This match was delayed by rain, and organisers are hoping to get it done before more potential rainfall.

Jovic has already received a time violation in this one, too.

11 hours ago08:05 Yasmin Syed

Arthur Gea has retired from his Shanghai Masters quarter-final against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

He played three more points after that medical timeout before shaking his head and retiring at 1-4 (0-40) down.

Arthur Gea has been forced to retire (Image: Tennis TV)

11 hours ago08:01 Yasmin Syed

Arthur Gea has called the trainer while trailing Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 1-4 in the opening set in Shanghai.

He's currently having a a three-minute medical timeout, laying on the court while the physio works on his right leg.

Arthur Gea is having a medical timeout (Image: Tennis TV)

11 hours ago07:52 Yasmin Syed

Elina Svitolina has booked her place in the Wuhan Open quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-4 win over Guo Hanyu.

But the second set was far less straightforward than the scoreline suggests.

There were four consecutive breaks of serve in the middle of it, with Svitolina going a break down before breaking straight back twice.

And as Guo served to stay in the match, the No. 5 seed claimed one final break to win it.

11 hours ago07:46 Yasmin Syed

We're getting to the business end of the Shanghai Masters, as it's time for the quarter-finals.

Only two of the four quarter-finals matches will be played today, with the other two taking place tomorrow.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is up against Arthur Gea, and the Spaniard has broken in the opening game.

Later, we'll see top seed Alexander Zverev face Alex de Minaur.

11 hours ago07:34 Yasmin Syed

Play is finally getting underway on the outside courts at the Wuhan Open following rain delays.

But they could well be stopped again, as there is more rain on the forecast.

Maria Sakkari is facing wildcard Mia Pohankova on Court 1, while Iva Jovic meets Maja Chwalinska on Court 2.

The match between Sonay Kartal and Jasmine Paolini has already been moved to Centre Court, so organisers are hoping Sakkari vs Pohankova and Jovic vs Chwalinska can be simultaneously played and completed before any more interruptions.

12 hours ago07:26 Yasmin Syed

Play on the outside courts at the Wuhan Open has been seriously delayed by rain.

And organisers have now moved British star Sonay Kartal's clash with Jasmine Paolini to the Centre Court.

They were initially due to play later on the outside Court 1.

But they will now play the fourth match on Centre, which is likely still a couple of hours away.

We're currently a set into the second match of the day here between Elina Svitolina and Guo Hanyu.

Then, it's Leylah Fernandez vs Jelena Ostapenko not before 8.30am UK time.

And then Kartal will finally face 12th seed Jasmine Paolini, having stunned ninth seed Belinda Bencic yesterday.

12 hours ago07:04 Yasmin Syed

Fifth seed Elina Svitolina is the highest-ranked woman left at the Wuhan Open, and she's closing in on a place in the quarter-finals.

The Ukranian has taken the first set 6-1 over home hope Guo Hanyu.

From the source No messing around 💥Elina Svitolina is in the zone, and takes the first set 6-1 over Guo.#dongfengvoyahwuhanopen https://t.co/JxpeTyfC7Z

12 hours ago06:56 Yasmin Syed

No. 1 seeds Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski have been stunned in the Shanghai quarter-finals.

The American-Brit duo won both the Australian Open and the US Open this year.

But they've just suffered a shock 7-6(3) 6-3 defeat to German pair Mark Wallner and Jakob Schnaitter.

12 hours ago06:50 Yasmin Syed

We've seen plenty of upsets in Wuhan already, with Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Marta Kostyuk among those who have lost early.

Now, No. 6 seed Karolina Muchova has crashed out in the round of 16.

The Wimbledon finalist has suffered a surprise 7-5 6-3 defeat to Diana Shnaider.

It's a blow to her WTA Finals hopes, though she's still currently sitting in a spot to qualify and can only be overtaken this week if Iga Swiatek lifts the trophy.

12 hours ago06:40 Yasmin Syed

We're up to round-of-16 action at the Wuhan Open today.

But play on the outside courts has so far been delayed due to rain.

There is a roof over the Centre Court, but it means that British star Sonay Kartal is being made to wait to continue her campaign.

The Brighton-based star spent six months sidelined by a back injury and dropped to No. 170 in the world, returning a few weeks ago.

But she caused a massive upset in the second round here yesterday, stunning No. 9 seed Belinda Bencic 6-0 7-5.

She's now up against two-time Major finalist Jasmine Paolini. But they're having to wait for the rain to stop.

Play is delayed at the Wuhan Open (Image: Sky Sports)

12 hours ago06:37 Yasmin Syed

Next week's Six Kings Slam has been postponed due to 'logistical reasons'. Originally set to be played next Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, the exhibition event will now take place from December 27 to 30.

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien were set to compete for the trophy and £4.5m ($6m) in prize money next week.

Tien replaced two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, who ended his season with a knee injury.

But there had been growing concerns over the exhibition event as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia continue.

Saudi official Turki Al Alshikh confirmed the news on Wednesday, a week before the tournament was set to get underway.

"The decision reflects Riyadh Season's commitment to delivering sporting events to the highest standards, following an assessment of the organisational and logistical challenges associated with hosting the tournament and their potential impact on the quality of the audience experience," a statement read.

13 hours ago06:31 Yasmin Syed

One match in Shanghai was cut short yesterday when Felix Auger-Aliassime seemed to pick up a knee injury early on and then retired while 2-5 (15-15) down to Casper Ruud after 35 minutes. And we’ll have to keep an eye on another injury as the quarter-finals begin today.

Top seed Alexander Zverev will face Alex de Minaur later, and Zverev has been carrying an ankle injury which seemed to affect him in his previous two matches. While facing Quentin Halys, he was seen shaking out his leg in between points. And he pulled out of some service motions, wincing in pain while facing Alexander Bublik two days ago.

The German has still been winning, but said: “My ankle was acting up unfortunately again which kind of is also understandable … I’m feeling my body more and more.”