Why Jannik Sinner could be forced to turn down £4.5 million after Shanghai Masters setback

Tennis star Jannik Sinner is in danger of losing £4.5 million in prize money after suffering an injury at the ongoing Shanghai Masters. The world No 2 Sinner was forced to retire in a third-round match at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena after suffering a leg injury against the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor.

Sinner suffered the injury in the fourth game of the third set and was seen cramping and limping before deciding to retire while trailing 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 2-3. It was a massive setback for Sinner, who recently lost the US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz. The 24-year-old Italian was seen as the favourite to win the Shanghai Masters after Alcaraz pulled out due to an injury he sustained at the Japan Open.

Sinner set to lose £4.5 million in prize money?

There’s no confirmation on the extent of the injury and estimated recovery period, but in case the injury impacts Sinner’s upcoming schedule, then the four-time Grand Slam winner may be forced to let go of a possible £4.5 million in prize money.

Sinner is next scheduled to take part in the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The exhibition event will run from 15-18 October. Sinner won the inaugural Six Kings Slam in 2024 by beating Alcaraz, taking home the biggest prize reward in tennis history – a £4.5 million cheque.

The six participants in the Six Kings Slam are rewarded £1.1 million for just taking part in the tournament, while the winner receives an extra £3.4 million.

Sinner is part of the 2025 edition along with Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, there’s a possibility Sinner may pull out of Six Kings Slam 2025.

After the Six Kings Slam, Sinner is expected to play in the ATP 500 event in Vienna, which starts on 20 October. A week later, he will be at the Paris Masters a week later.

Sinner has also qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin, which will be played from 12 to 19 November.

The busy tennis schedule and high humidity in Shanghai have posed a massive challenge to the top players, with many facing an extended period on the sidelines due to injuries or fitness issues.