Shanghai Masters 2025: Alcaraz's Withdrawal, Djokovic's Return, and the Dawn of a New Gen Showdown

Key Moments in Shanghai Rolex Masters 2025

Shanghai’s Asian swing peaks in China as the ATP’s top stars descend on the Qi Zhong Tennis Center for the Shanghai Rolex Masters, kicking off this Wednesday with a blend of anticipation and a touch of drama from the opening rounds.

Defending champion Yannick Sinner from Italy and German star Alexander Zverev lead the field, while Novak Djokovic returns to Shanghai for the first time since the US Open. The Serb, holder of the most Shanghai titles and wins, enters with a record that hints at adding to his legendary tally as the season winds down.

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn due to a left ankle issue, announcing on social media that he needs rest to recover. The young Spaniard had been hopeful of competing, but the decision aims to protect his long-term buildup and return to the Chinese crowds next year.

Sinner starts his Asian campaign strong, in Beijing’s 500-point sweep, eyeing another deep run. Last year he lifted the Shanghai crown, and while the draw this year places Djokovic and Sinner on different halves, a rematch in the final seems unlikely but never impossible—tennis loves a plot twist.

Zverev is chasing further glory in China, chasing a path that could improve his standing in the Turin race while seeking a performance that consolidates his status as one of the game’s most capable movers on hard courts.

Djokovic’s first match is set against Marin Cilic or Corentin Moutet. The Serbian veteran is chasing a record 41st Masters title and the most wins in the Shanghai event, a crown he would dearly like to add to his impressive ledger to remind the tour who still holds the pen when it comes to Masters tournaments.

Taylor Fritz, a steady presence on hard courts and a stalwart of the 2022 Indian Wells run, begins Shanghai with the aim of another deep march towards the Masters glory. He sits in a strong position in the Turin race and will be eager to add more points.

Ben Shelton makes his return after a shoulder issue that clipped his US Open run. The American, who has shown flashes of explosive potential, is back in action and chasing a run that could propel him toward a breakout late-season push.

Rising generation vs. veterans

Jakub Mensik and the young contender Tian lead the charge of the next generation in Shanghai. Mensik has already sent a message by defeating seasoned veterans on the way to the late rounds, and he is set to clash with Tian in a high-profile pairing that could become a centerpiece of the new guard’s ascent this season.

Wildcard returnees and local flavor

Stan Wawrinka, a three-time major winner, returns via a wildcard for a second Masters 1000 appearance in 2025. He opens with Fabian Marozan before potentially meeting the tournament’s tight seeds, a test that could ignite another late-career surge for the Swiss star.

Chinese stars and the race to Torino

The host nation features four of five local players in the singles draw, led by Wu Yibing and Shang Juncheng. Wu faces a qualifier in the early rounds, while Shang tangos with Kovacevic in a bid to show China’s growing depth. The bottom half also holds intriguing Chinese names and the usual depth of the Masters field, underscoring the country’s rising influence in the sport.

Torino chase and the potential shake-up

The Shanghai Masters doubles as a crucial turn for players aiming to secure a spot in Turin. De Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti sit within the last two direct slots, while previous Torino participants Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev remain in the race, ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.

In all, Shanghai offers a potent mix of star power, injury comebacks, and the next generation ready to claim a larger share of the spotlight, with a wild-card Swiss legend and a cluster of homegrown talent promising plenty of drama around every corner.

captionUnderImage: Novak Djokovic looks to extend his dominance in Shanghai as the Masters field intensifies.

Punchline time: My serve is so confident it filed a restraining order against the return. Punchline two: If tennis is a game of inches, consider every shot a mic drop—because the crowd always wants more drama than a late-night talk show.