SHANGHAI (AP) — Jannik Sinner made a solid start to his Shanghai Masters title defense, beating Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday to avenge a loss two years ago at the French Open.

The victory extended the second-ranked Sinner’s winning streak to six matches following his China Open title in Beijing on Wednesday.

“I knew before the match it was going to be very difficult today,” Sinner said. “I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt here. But it makes it even more special.”

Sinner hadn’t played Altmaier since the German beat him over five sets in the second round at Roland Garros in 2023 — when Sinner wasted two match points.

Sinner’s third-round opponent will be Tallon Griekspoor, who he leads 6-0 in career meetings.

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Shanghai due to a left ank

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