Men’s tennis is set to make a thrilling return to China next month as the Rolex Shanghai Masters gets underway, promising an exciting tournament at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center. This prestigious event is one of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments of the season, attracting top talent from around the globe.
Event Details and Schedule
The hard-court tournament runs from 1 to 12 October and has established itself as a staple on the ATP calendar since its inception in 2009. Under the direction of Michael A. Lueveno, the event is expected to feature a formidable lineup of competitors. Among the star players set to participate are Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and the legendary Novak Djokovic. Additionally, local fans will be eager to see Zhang Zhizhen and the promising young player Shang Juncheng in action.
Here are some key schedule details (all times local):
- Qualifying: Monday, 29 September and Tuesday, 30 September at 12 p.m.
- Main draw: Wednesday, 1 October to Sunday, 12 October
- Second-week sessions (Wednesday to Friday): 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 11 October: from 2 p.m.
- Doubles final: Sunday, 12 October at 2 p.m.
- Singles final: Sunday, 12 October, not before 4:30 p.m.
In a recap of recent history, Jannik Sinner claimed the singles title in 2024, overcoming Novak Djokovic in an intense final. Meanwhile, the doubles championship was won by the duo of Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic, who triumphed over Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.
This tournament has its share of notable records, including:
- Most singles titles: Novak Djokovic (4)
- Most doubles titles: Marcelo Melo (3)
- Oldest champion: Roger Federer, aged 36, in 2017
- Youngest champion: Jannik Sinner, aged 23, in 2024
- Most match wins: Novak Djokovic (39)
The Rolex Shanghai Masters is not just another tournament; it represents a pivotal stop in the late-season push for players looking to secure crucial ranking points and showcase their skills on a high-profile stage before the year-end championships.