Two reasons Federer and Alcaraz sat together to watch Sinner beat Djokovic
was too strong for Djokovic, making it four wins from his last five matches against the Serbian with a 7-6 (4) 6-3 triumph.
That denied Djokovic a 100th career title, although this week has been another reminder that the 37-year-old remains very much a factor at the top of the game. There were some illustrious former and current players in the 12,000-strong crowd.
They included Federer and Alcaraz, whose paths have rarely crossed until recently. Alcaraz’s presence was a surprise to some, given his interest in the tournament had been ended at the quarter-final stage by Tomas Machac.
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One reason he has stuck around, along with father Carlos and his brother Alvaro, is the fact he will be jetting straight to Saudi Arabia to compete in the ‘Six Kings Slam’, which begins on Wednesday. Sinner and Djokovic will make the same trip.
The other reason Federer and Alcaraz were seated together was their shared association with luxury watch brand Rolex, the tournament’s title sponsor, for which they are both ambassadors. Federer said in September, ahead of the Laver Cup, that he was looking forward to spending time with Alcaraz.
The Swiss said he owed the Spaniard an apology for declining the chance to have extra practice time with the youngster. The pair once hit together at Wimbledon when Federer was in his pomp while Alcaraz was a junior.
Federer was offered the chance to hit with Alcaraz again the following day, only to decline, preferring to practice with the youngster’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, instead. He recalled saying: “No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach.”
2024 Shanghai Rolex Masters – Day 14 (Finals)
Jannik Sinner after winning the Shanghai Masters (Image: Getty)
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The pair will no doubt have been impressed with Sinner’s latest triumph, with the Italian not facing a single break point in the straight-sets victory over Djokovic. Sinner said: “It was a very
tough match, obviously.
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