Overview
- The Shanghai Masters began its main draw on Oct. 7 at Qizhong Tennis Center with a 96-player singles field competing through Oct. 18 for Masters 1000 points and a $1,151,380 winner’s prize.
- Top seed Alexander Zverev leads a stacked entry list that includes Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and defending champion Valentin Vacherot, while world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew and will end his season with a knee injury.
- Carlos Alcaraz said he feels “mentally fresh” after winning the Japan Open and has a first-round bye into the second round, though reporters note his game could be tested by faster courts this year.
- Broadcasters including Tennis Channel and Fubo in the U.S. and FanCode in India are carrying the event, making the tournament widely available to global viewers.
- Early results have already shifted momentum — Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the second round — and commentators warn the quicker surface may favour big servers and aggressive hitters, which could alter the race for year-end rankings and ATP Finals spots.