Italy’s Jannik Sinner said it was a difficult decision to miss this year’s Davis Cup Finals on home soil but the world number two felt that he had to prioritise preparations for his Australian Open title defence.

Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to beat Russian fourth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6 6-0 6-2 and win the Ningbo Open title on Sunday, as her late surge to reach next month’s WTA Finals gained momentum.

Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire from tennis with the 24-times Grand Slam winner citing NBA great LeBron James, former NFL player Tom Brady and veteran footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration to keep playing.

Naomi Osaka fought through an injury to defeat defending champion Suzan Lamens 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-2 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Japan Open on Wednesday.

Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech will meet in the Shanghai Masters final after pulling off stunning upsets of former champions Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Daria Kasatkina has become the latest leading player to end her season early, saying she is at breaking point, mentally and emotionally.

Jannik Sinner’s bid to retain his Shanghai Masters title ended in agonising fashion on Sunday when the world number two was forced to retire mid-match against Tallon Griekspoor due to debilitating cramp in humid conditions.

World number three Alexander Zverev accused tournament directors of slowing down courts to help Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner succeed across all surfaces, with the German saying that the sport needs to bring back variety.

Jessica Pegula bounced back from a first-set stumble to secure a 6-7(2) 6-2 6-1 win over American compatriot Emma Navarro and reach the China Open semi-finals where she will face Czech Linda Noskova.

Coco Gauff put down a spirited challenge from Eva Lys to earn a 6-3 6-4 victory on Thursday and set up a China Open semi-final against fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who overcame a first-set stumble to beat Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-7(4) 6-3 6-4.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz wore down Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the Japan Open final on to win his eighth title of a spectacular year and further cement his status as a dominant force in the men’s game.

The Suva Tennis Association’s junior players have gained invaluable international exposure after a 10-day training tour at Japan’s prestigious Yoshida Tennis Training Centre.