Cramps, Pollution, and 95% Humidity": Panatta's Reaction After Sinner's Withdrawal in Shanghai
Jannik Sinner, world number 2, had to leave the court staggering, supported by the physiotherapist. Unable to carry his bag, he seemed completely drained physically and had to withdraw against Griekspoor in the third round of Shanghai (6-7, 7-5, 3-2).
Guest on the show La Domenica Sportiva on Rai 2, former Italian player Adriano Panatta commented on this withdrawal, not mincing his words:
"He almost never loses and always reaches the final. But this time, he didn't lose to his opponent, but to a fairly natural physical problem, because the playing conditions in Shanghai were brutal. In Shanghai, I saw him very worn out, but not just him, all the players. There were withdrawals, vomiting...
It's 36/37 degrees and the game is played outdoors, not indoors. There's a humidity rate of 95% and a pollution rate of 84%, which is indicated as unhealthy and sports activity is not recommended. It's logical that the players complain, but when you do sports all over the world and on every continent, this can happen.
Shanghai 
