Just like at Wimbledon, Rinderknech upsets Zverev: a Top 10 finally defeated on hard court

Just like at Wimbledon, Arthur Rinderknech upsets Alexander Zverev, world No. 3, and qualifies for the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters 1000.

Arthur Rinderknech continues to surprise. This Friday in Shanghai, the Frenchman delivered one of the greatest performances of his career by defeating Alexander Zverev, the current world No. 3, in a rollercoaster match that electrified the Chinese crowd.

This is not an isolated feat. Rinderknech had already beaten Zverev a few months earlier at Wimbledon, on the London grass. But this time, the achievement is even more impressive: it marks his first victory against a Top 10 player on hard court, an area where the Frenchman had previously held a dismal record of 1 win and 14 losses against the elite.

Facing a Zverev who has been struggling lately, Rinderknech showcased his powerful serve, mental clarity in key moments, and perfectly controlled aggression. The final score: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The Frenchman had long seemed stuck against the top players on tour. Before this match, he had never beaten a Top 5 player on hard court. With this victory, Rinderknech advances to the round of 16 of a hard-court Masters 1000 for the first time. A strong statement for a player often underestimated, but who now seems to truly believe in his chances.

For a spot in the quarterfinals, he will face Czech player Jiri Lehecka.