Tennis Symphony Resonates on the Shanghai Bund

Over more than a decade of refinement, the Shanghai Rolex Masters has evolved beyond just a court battle to become the city’s annual fashion extravaganza embracing all cultures. The 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters returns with a dazzling star-studded lineup, gathering top superstars on the Shanghai Bund, with the Chinese contingent striking strongly. As the most powerful voice of the Chinese season and one of the most prestigious men's tennis events, this annual golden autumn tennis feast will once again set the most dynamic rhythm along both sides of the Huangpu River.

Shelton

Shelton will make his debut in Shanghai as a top-ten player in the world. Since breaking into the top 10 on grass courts earlier this year, this young American rising star has steadily cemented his place among the elite with outstanding performances. In August at the Canadian Open in Toronto, Shelton defeated two top 10 players to claim his first Masters title, proving his formidable competitiveness. Over the past two years at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, Shelton reached the quarterfinals and round of 16 respectively. He uses the YONEX EZONE 98 racket, whose design philosophy of “balance between power and comfort” perfectly complements Shelton’s explosive tactical style. For a player like Shelton, who relies on speed and power in American hard-court play, the EZONE 98 maximizes his power output while providing ample comfort and forgiveness.

Ruud

Ruud will be competing in the Shanghai Rolex Masters for the third consecutive year. The Norwegian star, once ranked world number two, reached the round of 16 in 2023. He showed strong form during this year’s clay season, winning his first Masters title in Madrid and reaching the quarterfinals in Rome. Due to a knee injury, Ruud had to withdraw from the grass season but returned to competition in mid-July. Over the past two months on tour, he has been actively regaining his form. This week, Ruud advanced to the semifinals at the ATP 500 Tokyo event, demonstrating excellent competitive level. Like Shelton, Ruud also opts for the YONEX EZONE series, choosing the larger-headed EZONE 100, which perfectly suits the Norwegian’s solid and consistent playing style.

Machac

As a semifinalist last year, Czech player Machac’s Shanghai trip this year draws much attention. In last year’s quarterfinals, he stunned world number one Alcaraz in straight sets, reaching his first Masters singles semifinal and achieving the most significant victory of his career. Machac has also shown remarkable form in 2025, winning his highest-level title to date at the ATP 500 Acapulco event in February and breaking into the top 20 for the first time. For many years, Machac has chosen the YONEX VCORE 100 racket. As a typical modern power-driven and aggressive player, the VCORE 100 transforms his natural power into a more threatening, stable, and controllable weapon, helping him establish and maintain his position on the professional circuit.

Shapovalov

Shapovalov will participate in the Shanghai Rolex Masters for the fifth time. Last year, ranked outside the top 100, he qualified and reached the round of 64 in singles. Over the past year, Shapovalov has had impressive results, winning two ATP 250 titles in Dallas and Los Cabos, which helped him climb back into the top 30. Notably, Shapovalov recently married his girlfriend this month, and we hope this new chapter in his life will bring further breakthroughs on court. Currently, he uses the YONEX EZONE 98 racket. As a naturally talented player, the EZONE 98 acts as Shapovalov’s “stabilizer” and “optimizer,” supporting his progression from a gifted player to a top champion.

Tiafoe

Tiafoe is another formidable member of the American team to watch. During the North American hard court season in August, he posted consistent results, reaching the quarterfinals in Washington and the round of 16 in both Toronto and Cincinnati. This year marks Tiafoe’s sixth appearance at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, and the city has become quite familiar to the American star, who has twice reached the round of 32 here. Tiafoe uses the YONEX PERCEPT 97 racket. As a player who relies on touch and creativity, the PERCEPT, designed with the philosophy of “perceive, control, create,” helps him convert his strengths into victories more steadily and efficiently.

Wawrinka

At 40 years old, Wawrinka will make his 12th appearance at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. As a three-time Grand Slam champion, the Swiss star is deeply loved by fans in China. In a professional tennis world rapidly changing with youthful storms and fast turnover, 40 might be considered an age to retire, yet Wawrinka continues to blast powerful shots with his iconic single-handed backhand, writing the final chapters of his passion. Returning to Shanghai, we look forward to him continuing to create “age-defying” miracles. Wawrinka uses the YONEX PERCEPT 100 racket. With advancing age and recurring injuries, his racket needs focus more on stability, comfort, and body protection without sacrificing too much hitting power. The PERCEPT perfectly fulfills these demands, providing Wawrinka with solid support.

Buyunchakht

Chinese player Buyunchakht will compete in the Shanghai Rolex Masters for the third consecutive year. In his debut two years ago, he defeated Kecmanovic to claim his first ATP Tour win and his first Masters victory, making this event especially meaningful and emotional for him. As the Chinese season nears its conclusion in Shanghai, Buyunchakht will surely aim to capitalize on this precious home-court opportunity and strive for strong results on the Masters stage again. He uses the YONEX EZONE 98, a racket that has accompanied him for years, offering excellent hitting comfort and clear feedback. This perfectly matches his balanced playing style of offense and defense, helping him hold his ground in the fiercely competitive professional tennis arena.

From the first echoes in Qizhong Forest to becoming a global tennis spotlight, the Shanghai Rolex Masters has carved a path of glory over time. This tournament has witnessed every step of Shanghai’s rise to a world-class city and has become an indispensable brilliant chapter in the city’s sporting DNA. We look forward to opening another new page in tennis history—and Shanghai’s—in the golden October.

(Text by Wang Fei, Photos by Visual China Group)