ATP Shanghai Masters Tennis Tournament: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview
The ATP Shanghai Masters, also known as the Shanghai Rolex Masters, is an annual men's tennis tournament held in Shanghai, China.
It is part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 series, the second-highest level of professional tennis tournaments after the Grand Slams.
History
Inception and Early Years
The tournament was first held in 2009 and was initially known as the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000.
It was played on an outdoor hard court surface at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
Expansion and Growth
In 2012, the tournament was renamed the Shanghai Rolex Masters after Rolex became the title sponsor.
The prize money and tournament points increased significantly, making it one of the most lucrative events on the ATP Tour.
Venue and Facilities
The Shanghai Rolex Masters is held at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, a state-of-the-art facility located in the Qizhong Forest Sports City.
The center features a 15,000-seat main stadium and several smaller courts.
Format and Structure
The tournament follows the standard format for ATP Tour Masters 1000 events.
It features a 56-player singles draw and a 24-team doubles draw.
The singles tournament is played in a knockout format, with the top 32 players receiving a bye to the second round.
Past Winners
The Shanghai Rolex Masters has seen a number of notable winners over the years, including:
- Novak Djokovic (4 titles)
- Andy Murray (2 titles)
- Rafael Nadal (1 title)
- Roger Federer (1 title)
Tournament Highlights
The Shanghai Rolex Masters is known for its high level of competition and exciting matches.
In 2018, Novak Djokovic defeated Borna Coric in the final, winning his fourth Shanghai title and extending his record as the most successful player in the tournament's history.
The tournament also offers a number of fan-friendly activities, including autograph signings, meet-and-greets, and live music.
