2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters: Draw Released, Stars Compete for the Crown!

In the golden month of October, the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters is back as planned, with the main draw kicking off from October 1 to 12 at the Qizhong Forest Tennis Center. The total prize pool amounts to $9,193,538, and the winner will take home $1,124,360 plus 1000 points. The singles competition uses a 96-player draw, granting the top 32 seeds a bye in the opening round.

Rolex Ambassador and defending champion Sinner

The renowned Swiss watch brand Rolex has a long-standing relationship with the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Since the inaugural event in 2009, Rolex has been the highest-level sponsor, upgrading to title sponsor in 2010 and continuing ever since. Over more than a decade of partnership, the tournament has won multiple “ATP1000 Tournament of the Year” awards. By supporting both the event and players, Rolex has deeply integrated its values of precision and excellence with the spirit of tennis. In 2023, the partnership was renewed for another ten years, continuing to fuel the growth of tennis in China.

Rolex Ambassador Alcaraz

Today, the main draw for the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters was officially announced, with Rolex ambassador Alcaraz leading the 1/4 section as the top seed. Alcaraz has been in outstanding form this year, capturing both the French Open and US Open titles, reclaiming the world No.1 ranking. This marks his third consecutive year competing in Shanghai, having previously reached the fourth round and quarterfinals. For this tournament, Alcaraz will start from the second round, facing the winner between Lener, Chien, and Kecmanovic. If he advances, he will meet 30th seed Norrie in the third round, potentially face 18th seed Medvedev in the fourth, and could encounter 7th seed De Minaur in the quarterfinals. Notably, Chinese players Wu Yibing and Shang Juncheng are also in this section, both starting from the first round — Wu against a qualifier and Shang against Kovacevic.

The 2/4 section is anchored by 3rd seed Zverev and 7th seed Musetti, with other strong contenders including 12th seed Aliassime, 15th seed Lehecka, and 17th seed Menchik. Chinese players Bu Yunchaokete and Zhou Yi are also placed here, with Bu facing Ho Tseng-lo in the first round and Zhou matched against De Jong.

Rolex Ambassador Shelton

The 3/4 section promises fierce competition, featuring four-time champion Djokovic as the 4th seed. He will begin in the second round against the winner of the match between former US Open champion Cilic and Moutet. In the third round, he may meet 25th seed Tiafoe, and in the fourth round, a potential clash with 13th seed Rublev awaits. However, 6th seed and Rolex ambassador Shelton is also eyeing a semifinal spot. This year, he captured his first Masters title in Toronto and is currently at his career-high ranking of No. 6. This is Shelton’s third appearance in Shanghai; he reached the quarterfinals in 2023 and the fourth round last year. In this tournament, he will face the winner between Goffin and Miller in the second round, 31st seed Diallo in the third, and possibly 11th seed Ruud in the fourth.

Rolex Ambassador Sinner

The 4/4 section is strongly guarded by the defending champion and Rolex ambassador Sinner, alongside another top seed and Rolex ambassador, 5th seed Fritz. Last year, Sinner defeated Djokovic in the final to claim the title and this year aims to defend it. He will start from the second round against the winner of Altmaier and a qualifier. In the third round, he faces 27th seed Griekspoor, with a potential fourth-round meeting against 14th seed Bublik.

Rolex Ambassador Fritz

Rolex Ambassador Rune

Fritz’s path is filled with challenges; he will face the winner between three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka and Mauro Ran in the second round. In the third round, he meets the powerful server Pericard, and if he advances, he could face 10th seed Rune in an exciting “Rolex ambassador derby.” Rune will start from the second round, facing the winner between Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen and Baez.

Center court at Qizhong Forest Tennis Center

From the star-studded draw to the unpredictable and suspenseful matchups in each round, the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters has already painted a magnificent picture of the tournament. Whether it’s the title contenders or the Chinese players competing on home soil, all will write new tennis legends at the Qizhong Forest Tennis Center this golden autumn. Let us eagerly anticipate this grand tennis feast that combines top-level competition with heartfelt passion, witnessing every player shine on the court.

(Photo: Visual China)