China’s recent drive to grow its pool of professional tennis talent — with only three Chinese players currently inside the top 100 — should not overshadow its long-standing ambition to host the sport’s elite.
The journey began with the China Open in Beijing in the 1990s and expanded with the launch of the Shanghai Masters in 2009. Earlier today, Jannik Sinner eased to the Beijing Open title and now turns his attention to Shanghai, where he will meet Daniel Altmaier on Friday.
These back-to-back events form the China Tennis Swing, which coincides with Golden Week — a national holiday that fuels domestic tourism and consumer spending. For Shanghai, the aim is clear: to eclipse the 220,000 spectators who flocked through its gates in 2024, even as concerns mount over a slowing consumer economy under the weight of U.S. tariffs.
Here’s our look at the players to watch and what this year’s tournament has in store.
Carlos Alcaraz announced on social media, shortly after lifting the Japan Open trophy, that he will miss the 2025 Shanghai Masters due to injury. Fresh off another commanding run in Tokyo — capped by a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Taylor Fritz in the final — the world No. 1 will have to sit this one out — denying fans a potential year-closing showdown with Jannik Sinner.
Last week, Alcaraz turned his ankle in his Tokyo opener against Argentina’s Sebastián Báez. After a medical timeout, he resumed, winning 6-4, 6-2, and dropped only a single set en route to the final. In form and sporting a striking blonde-tinted haircut, Alcaraz powered through to the title, extending his cushion over Jannik Sinner at the top of the rankings. By withdrawing from Shanghai, he will still hold a lead of 1,590 points — even if the Italian triumphs — leaving him poised to return for the year’s final Masters and close 2025 as world No. 1.
The Rolex Shanghai Masters, an ATP 1000 event, offers a prime late-season chance for players to capture valuable points and climb the rankings. While Chinese fans will miss the spectacle of Carlos Alcaraz on home soil, the field remains stacked: a host of top seeds are ready to light up the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena with world-class tennis.
Beyond the usual hard-court contenders — Zverev, Fritz, Auger-Aliassime — one name stands out: Ben Shelton. After an injury cut short his US Open campaign in the middle of a strong season, which also forced his withdrawal from the Japan Open, Shelton returns to action in Shanghai. All eyes will be on whether he can rediscover the fearless game that lit up 2025. If fully recovered, this could be the catalyst to launch a statement 2026 campaign.
The Shanghai Open runs from October 1st until Sunday, October 12th.
