The Shanghai Rolex Masters has seen numerous upsets, with Denmark's rising star Rune aiming for a breakthrough!

Between October 1 and 12, 2025, the ATP 1000 Masters series held its second-to-last tournament of the season, drawing elite men’s players worldwide to the Qizhong Tennis Center for the Rolex Shanghai Masters. This year, the tournament continued the extended format introduced in 2023, featuring 96 players competing over 12 days, underscoring its prestigious status as one of the nine ATP 1000 Masters events globally.

Central court at Qizhong Tennis Center

Rolex shares a deep connection with this renowned Asian tennis event, with their partnership dating back to 2009 when the Masters first arrived in Shanghai. In 2010, Rolex became the title sponsor, a role it has maintained since. Over more than a decade, their collaboration has earned the tournament multiple “Best ATP 1000 Tournament of the Year” awards, while Rolex’s support of the event and players has intertwined the brand’s pursuit of precision and excellence with the spirit of tennis. In 2023, they renewed their partnership for another ten years, continuing to fuel the growth of tennis in China.

Prominent Rolex logo courtside

The early rounds of this year’s Shanghai Rolex Masters brought unexpected challenges. In the men’s singles top half, world number one and Rolex ambassador Alcaraz, fresh off his ATP 500 Tokyo title, withdrew due to health reasons, promising Chinese fans a return next year. Third seed German Zverev was surprisingly upset in the third round by France’s Lindeknech in three sets, missing out on the round of 16.

In the quarter section, American rising star Learner Chen played impressively, defeating Kecmanovic, Moutet, and Norrie to reach the fourth round, where he will face 16th seed Medvedev. Chinese young talent Shang Juncheng achieved his first career top-10 win by beating 9th seed Khachanov in the second round but lost a tough three-set battle to Portugal’s Borges in the third round. Borges will face 7th seed Deminal in the next round.

In the second quarter, Lindeknech will meet 15th seed Lehecka in the fourth round, while 8th seed Musetti faces 12th seed Alcaraz in a high-stakes clash for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Rolex ambassador Sinner

Rolex ambassador Fritz

Rolex ambassador Shelton

In the bottom half, defending champion and Rolex ambassador Sinner, fresh from his China Open victory, quickly moved to Shanghai. After a first-round bye, he won comfortably against Germany’s Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 in the second round but had to retire in the third round against Dutch powerhouse Griekspoor due to severe leg cramps. Additionally, 5th seed and Rolex ambassador Fritz was defeated in the third round by French big server Pericard, while 6th seed and Rolex ambassador Shelton lost in the second round to Belgian veteran Goffin.

In the third quarter, 4th seed Djokovic advanced to the fourth round as expected, set to face Spain’s Munar. The other quarterfinal spot in this section will be decided between 31st seed Diallo and Berrettini.

Rolex ambassador Rune

In the fourth quarter, 10th seed and Rolex ambassador Rune has been impressive. In the second round, he defeated Argentina’s Baez 7-5, 6-4, then beat French player Humbert 6-4, 6-4 in the third round. He will face Pericard in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Griekspoor will compete against qualifier Vachero for a quarterfinal place.

The 22-year-old Danish rising star Rune is making his third consecutive appearance at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, having reached the second and fourth rounds in previous years. This year represents a prime opportunity for a breakthrough! Rune made a splash by winning the 2022 Paris Masters and reaching a career-high world ranking of fourth. He has regained form this year, reaching the final at Indian Wells and claiming the ATP 500 Barcelona title by defeating Alcaraz.

Excitement continues at the Shanghai Rolex Masters

As the Shanghai Rolex Masters enters its second week, the competition is heating up. Whether it’s the legendary veteran Djokovic or the surging young talent Rune, all are vying fiercely for the championship trophy. With the weekend approaching, tennis fans’ eyes are fixed on the Qizhong Tennis Center, where the ultimate champion of this Asian tennis extravaganza will soon be crowned amid great anticipation!

Photo: Visual China