Alexander Zverev’s Opponent Makes Feelings Clear After Shanghai Masters Win: “Guys End Up With Cramps”
Arthur Rinderknech Calls Out Brutal Conditions After Upset Win Over Alexander Zverev at Shanghai Masters
Arthur Rinderknech, the world No. 54 Frenchman, made his feelings crystal clear on the punishing heat and humidity plaguing the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters after pulling off a stunning second-round upset against Alexander Zverev, stating: “Half the matches, the guys end up with cramps.” The 30-year-old rallied from a set down to defeat the No. 3 seed 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on October 6, advancing to the third round in stifling conditions that have already forced multiple retirements and upsets at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The Upset: Rinderknech’s Second Win Over Zverev
Rinderknech, who stunned Zverev in five sets at Wimbledon earlier in 2025, repeated the feat in Shanghai’s Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, coming back after dropping the opener. Zverev, who paused to change sweat-soaked shoes mid-match, appeared rattled and fatigued, bending over between points as the humidity took its toll. Rinderknech won 24 of 29 net points in sets two and three, securing his third career top-10 win—all in 2025—and returning to the top 50 next week. He now faces Jiri Lehecka in the last 16.
Zverev, meanwhile, called his season “nothing unusual for me, unfortunately,” after the loss, which leaves Novak Djokovic as the highest-ranked player remaining. The German, who accused tournament directors of slowing courts to favor Sinner and Alcaraz earlier in the week, now sits fourth in the ATP Live Race to Turin.
Rinderknech’s Post-Match Comments: “It’s Tough for Everyone”
Rinderknech’s candid remarks highlighted the tournament’s brutal conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) and suffocating humidity forcing multiple retirements and upsets. “It’s tough! It’s tough for everyone,” he said, adding: “Half the matches don’t go the full distance. Half the matches, the guys end up with cramps or vomiting. We’re using an incredible amount of shirts, and thankfully, the laundry is working really well.” Rinderknech, who changed shoes mid-match due to sweat, credited his fitness for the comeback, noting Zverev’s visible fatigue.
The conditions have already claimed defending champion Jannik Sinner (retired vs. Tallon Griekspoor due to cramps) and Taylor Fritz (near-collapse). Rinderknech’s win marks his third top-10 victory of 2025 (all against Zverev), boosting him to a career-best 23 wins.
Fan and Media Backlash: Calls for Heat Rules
Rinderknech’s words amplified growing demands for ATP heat protocols, similar to the WTA’s, as fans trolled Zverev for his earlier court-speed complaints: “Zverev blamed the courts, but heat got him.” Social media under #ShanghaiMasters trended with calls for reform, echoing Rune’s rant: “ATP needs a heat rule—you want players to die?” As Djokovic remains the top seed, Rinderknech’s upset and candid critique spotlight the tournament’s human cost.
