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New Delhi: Alexander Zverev’s campaign at the Shanghai Masters came to an abrupt end on Monday as France’s Arthur Rinderknech pulled off a stunning comeback to knock out the third seed 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the third round. The German, who entered the tournament as the highest-ranked player left in the draw, looked comfortable after winning the first set but completely lost rhythm thereafter.

Rinderknech grew in confidence as the match progressed using his aggressive net play and steady serve to turn the tide. After securing one break in the second set and two in the decider, the Frenchman sealed his spot in the last 16 after more than two hours on court. The win marks Rinderknech’s second straight victory over Zverev this season as he has also beaten him in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon earlier this year.

“This is huge,” Rinderknech said after the match. “I had my first Top-5 win at a Grand Slam against Sascha and it happens again. I guess I’m a bit lucky against him and able to play my best tennis. You have to be at your best to beat a guy like Sascha, who’s been at No. 3 for many years and is such a steady player.”

Rinderknech’s rise continues

At 30, Rinderknech is enjoying a career-best season. The Frenchman has now recorded 23 match wins in 2025, his most in a single year and reached the fourth round at a Masters 1000 event for the third time. He previously achieved that feat in Toronto and Paris last season.

His front-footed performance against Zverev was a reminder of how dangerous he can be when confident. He won 24 of 29 net points in the final two sets, mixing clever volleys with consistent baseline play. The victory also pushed him up five spots to No. 49 in the live rankings. In the next round he will face Czech Jiri Lehecka, who defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 to advance.

For Zverev, the loss is a setback in what has otherwise been a consistent season. The German had required treatment on a toe injury in his previous match and appeared physically laboured in the final set often bending over between points. Despite the early exit, Zverev remained fourth in the ATP Race to Turin and well-positioned to qualify for the season-ending Finals.

Medvedev, Tien move forward

Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev continued his fine run with a straight-sets win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while young American Learner Tien extended his dream stretch by beating Cameron Norrie 7-6(4), 6-3. The 19-year-old will next face Medvedev in what promises to be a fascinating fourth-round clash.