Shanghai Masters entry list updated: Djokovic joins replacing poster, three top players sadly withdraw due to injuries!

With the China Open fully underway, tennis updates have been nonstop. Yesterday was the day Chinese players assembled, featuring doubles stars Li Ting/Sun Tiantian, Zheng Jie/Yan Zi, along with Zhang Zhizhen, Zheng Qinwen, Shang Juncheng, and Bu Yunchaokete, all present at the China Open’s special opening event.

Last night Beijing time, a huge surprise rocked the scene as the greatest player ever, Djokovic, declared he will compete again at the Shanghai Masters. In last year’s final, he lost to Sinner, marking the first time he was defeated in a final since he started playing in China events.

Although Djokovic had previously announced his remaining schedule for this year would only include a single 250 tournament in his hometown, and even hinted at possibly skipping the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, his participation frequency has dropped significantly compared to previous years. So far, he has only played the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open this season.

Back-to-back participation in the Shanghai Masters, the Serbian star’s special affection for China and this tournament has touched Chinese fans deeply. It is also because of their enthusiasm that he promised to return to the Shanghai Masters once more before retiring.

Just two hours after Djokovic announced his participation in the Shanghai Masters, the organizers updated the promotional poster, with Djokovic prominently featured at the center position.

As some players join, others withdraw. Among the star-studded Chinese season, who are the notable absentees?

Leading the list is Britain’s No.1 Draper, who ended his season early due to a left arm injury. Not only will he miss the six major Grand Slams, but he will also skip the Shanghai Masters for the second consecutive year.

Yesterday, French rising star Fils, sidelined since his home Grand Slam Roland Garros due to a stress fracture in his back, also announced his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters. Whether he can return in time for the Paris Masters remains uncertain.

During the first three Masters tournaments this year, Fils shone brightly, becoming the only player to reach deep rounds in all three events. However, after getting injured at the French Open, he has not fully recovered. At that time, he played through the injury and even defeated his opponent, which sparked doubts from his rivals. Looking back, that way of advancing came at a heavy cost.

Today, two stylish men, American Paul and Bulgarian charmer Dimitrov, also withdrew due to injuries. Paul’s results this year were moderate but still maintained a decent level. Without injuries, he most likely would have participated in the Laver Cup.

Meanwhile, Dimitrov, who has been recovering from injury since Wimbledon, has been plagued by physical issues since his resurgence last year. Recently spotted vacationing with his girlfriend and in good spirits, he wisely is not rushing back to the court.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)