Injuries are part and parcel of a player’s life. Tennis players are well aware of the serious injuries that can derail their careers—an occupational hazard of sorts. Italian player Jannik Sinner was on the receiving end of a non-serious one when he whacked himself with his own racket.
Jannik took on rising sensation Ben Shelton in the fourth round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. It was an exciting clash, and both players went toe-to-toe, but in the end, Shelton emerged victorious. Ben defeated Sinner 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), to make it to the quarterfinals of an ATP tournament for the first time.
However, there was an awkward moment during the match when Sinner accidentally hit himself with his own racket. The Italian was gearing for a backhanded slice but ended up hitting his kneecap. He was seen rubbing his knee and even limped for a few steps before he got ready to play again. Tennis TV shared the clip of Sinner’s mishap with the caption, “That’s gotta hurt.”
That’s gotta hurt, @janniksin 😬🤣#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/2mP9piNKV3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 10, 2023
Since the video was posted, fans shared their sympathies for Sinner’s knees. Some users were familiar with the pain that came with it. Here are a few reactions.
The rubbing 🤣🤣
— Gaelen ☘️ (@GaelenBet) October 10, 2023
Been there!!! That hurts man
— Henrik Petersen (@HenrikMoos78) October 10, 2023
Probably the most relatable I’ve ever felt to a professional tennis player😭 https://t.co/qwPs18b2dD
— Gunner (@Gunner1896) October 10, 2023
Jannik Sinner has been on a roll, as he won a couple of ATP titles this year, with his most recent one being at the China Open. He also picked up his first Masters 1000 title this year, when he won the Canadian Open. Sinner could not reproduce that during his match against Shelton. But Sinner will not mind this loss too much, as he has almost booked a spot in the ATP Finals later this year.
Jannik Sinner vs. Ben Shelton: match summary
The clash between Sinner and Shelton was a closely contested match. Ben looked menacing, despite losing the opening set. The match went down to the wire, and Shelton finally got the better of Jannik.
Ben hit a jaw-dropping 15 aces throughout the match. However, Sinner gave as good as he got, as he fired 5 aces to disrupt Shelton’s rhythm and claim the opening set.
Shelton stifles Sinner in Shanghai! 😤🔥
He will face fellow American Korda next for a spot in the semis.#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/acdhGb5OSI
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 10, 2023
Ben responded strongly in the next set, as he hit 15 winners, and a staggering eight aces to send the match into a third set. The American finally got the better of Sinner during the tiebreak.
Jannik Sinner has really come into his own this year. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev in Beijing, to stamp his authority. He will play in the Vienna Open, followed by the Paris Masters next.
