Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were in a race against time as they hurried to catch a flight from Beijing to Shanghai to make it in time for the start of the Shanghai Masters tournament. The two tennis stars had just competed in a thrilling final at the China Open, with Alcaraz emerging victorious after a gruelling three-hour and 21-minute battle.
Despite the intense match, Alcaraz and Sinner wasted no time and boarded the same private jet to travel to Shanghai for their next tournament. Alcaraz, who had his bags packed in advance, faced a quick turnaround as he prepared to compete in the Shanghai Masters. The 21-year-old Spaniard was set to play against Shang Juncheng in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
“The tennis schedule is so tight, but we have to get used to it, or I guess we have to,” Alcaraz commented upon arriving in Beijing in the early hours of Thursday. He highlighted the demanding nature of back-to-back tournaments and the need to adapt swiftly to the challenging pace of the sport.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner, along with their respective teams, were captured on the same jet making the two-hour journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Alcaraz, coming off a remarkable win over Sinner in the China Open final, expressed feeling rejuvenated after a busy summer season that included notable achievements like winning the French Open and Wimbledon.
Following a setback at the US Open, Alcaraz bounced back with a strong performance in the Davis Cup and Laver Cup, extending his winning streak to nine matches. Reflecting on his recent successes, Alcaraz noted the positive impact of competing in team events that helped reignite his passion for the game and recharge his energy for the upcoming challenges.
As he geared up for his first match in Shanghai, Alcaraz emphasised the importance of enjoying every moment on the court and staying focused on his goals. With a renewed sense of motivation and the support of his team, Alcaraz was optimistic about his prospects in the Shanghai Masters and eager to continue his impressive form on the court.
In a display of resilience and determination, both Alcaraz and Sinner exemplified the competitive spirit of professional tennis as they swiftly transitioned from one high-stakes tournament to the next, showcasing their commitment to the sport and their unwavering dedication to excellence.