Zverev limps through scare but keeps Shanghai title bid alive with straight-sets win

SHANGHAI, Oct 9 — Alexander Zverev, the world number two, secured a straight-sets victory over Chinese wildcard Wu Yibing 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) at the Shanghai Masters. The German player was nursing a left ankle injury during the second set, visibly grimacing when he dived during the 11th game of that set. Despite his discomfort, Zverev held his nerve, forcing a tie-break and clinching victory on his second match point as Wu sent the ball long.

Zverev praised Wu's exceptional play, noting his opponent's powerful shots. His win puts him on track to end the year as the top-ranked player after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the 2026 season due to injury. Zverev will next face Quentin Halys of France, who defeated Belgium's Alexander Blockx 6-3, 7-6 (8/6). Earlier in the tournament, Ben Shelton, the third-seeded American, beat Germany's Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) and will play France's Arthur Gea in the third round.

Shelton, who turned 24, had a tough match, double-faulting five times, but expressed satisfaction with his performance. Frenchman Adrian Mannarino upset sixth-seeded Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, advancing to face either Karen Khachanov or Arthur Fery. Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto upset seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4, who will next play ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur.

Elsewhere, Serbian veteran Novak Djokovic is set to begin his bid for the title against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.