Shanghai Masters: History, Winners & Bookie’s Favorites for 2023

by Luke Andrews, 9 October 2023

We highlight the Shanghai Masters as the eighth of nine ATP Tour Masters 1000 events. The event returns for the 2023 edition after missing out on the 2020, 2021, and 2022 editions due to the Coronavirus that enforced travel restrictions. In this article, Luke Andrews explores the history, past winners and the bookie’s favourites for this year’s tournament.

The Shanghai Masters was first launched in 2009 and is the eighth event of the ATP Tour. The tournament is held at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China. There have been eleven editions taking a halt over the last three years to restart this year eventually. The event has been played over eight years, with singles and doubles matches. The event is played outdoors on a hard surface, which provides an exciting competitive aspect to the game.

In our article, we will go through the competition history and evolution of the tournament, focusing on its impact on tennis development in China and Asia. The format of the Rolex Shanghai, the number of rounds and then we look at the previous winners of the competition and the players that have made a mark by setting outstanding records. The venue and the type of surface, then we shift focus on this year’s event, looking at the top contenders and, of course, the monetary aspect for odds and will advise you on the best and most appealing market for you to invest.

The Shanghai Masters commenced in 2009 as an indoor hardcore tournament. It has evolved over the years, bringing together some of the best names in tennis to compete at one the biggest stages in the World of tennis. The inception was meant to develop tennis in the continent of Asia, with China seemingly the best avenue to commence the idea. The Chinese Tennis Association and the ATP World Tour began their plan, but it had been long since the first professional tournament was held in Shanghai in 1996.

In 2002, the Tennis Masters Cup was held in Shanghai, which attracted such events because it is the largest city in China. The event was very successful, attracting the World Number One at the time, Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who participated and won.

The event fuelled the induction of Shanghai to hold the Tennis Masters Cup from 2005 to 2007. Roger Federer, the World number one then, reached three finals, winning the 2006 and the 2007 editions, but lost the 2005 to Argentine David Nalbandian.

🎾20-time Grand Slam champion #RogerFederer announced that he is retiring from professional #tennis

🇨🇭#Federer in 🇨🇳#China:

🥇#Beijing2008 Olympics men’s doubles 🏆2006 & 2007 Tennis Masters Cup (Shanghai) 🏆2014 & 2017 @SH_RolexMasters#RForever @ChinaEmbinCH @shanghaidaily pic.twitter.com/C0LzRkNs5b

— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) September 15, 2022

The tournament had now built up enough, especially the commitment to building the Qizhong facility. The ATP finally made the call for the arena to host the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, equivalent to the ATP Masters Series. They were scheduled for a slot in October. The first event was organised by Juss International Sports Event Management, led by Jiang Lan, and sponsored by Swiss watch company Rolex. The inaugural event had the words’ Simply the Best’ and had over 150,000 spectators.

The induction of an ATP tour to China and the more extensive Asian continent has greatly developed the sport of tennis. Having a facility such as the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena gives the players a feeling of what it is like to play in a world-class arena that can host a global event. The event attracts the best players in the tennis world. It inspires the younger generations to have a focus and model to emulate, thus enhancing their training by working on a goal of being like the best and playing like them. The most recent winner of the Shanghai Masters is Daniil Medvedev, while the player with the most titles is Novak Djokovic.

Fifty-six tennis athletes contest the singles; all participants must endure six rounds of play except the top eight seeds. The tally includes forty-four or forty-five direct acceptances, one special exemption, four wild cards and seven qualifiers. The singles draw features twenty-eight players with two rounds of play, while the doubles feature twenty-four teams with five rounds of play.

The deadline for the players is usually three weeks before the first Monday of the main event. The players for the singles and the teams for the doubles are listed based on the ATP ranking a week before the competition to determine the main draw, the qualifying draw for the singles or the doubles to determine the teams to be kept in alternates.

The singles and doubles draw are set by selecting the top eight seeds, and then the rest of the players, including qualifiers, wildcards, and special exempts, are placed in the rest of the draw. Once the draw is done, the matches are played in a best-of-three tie-break sets format, while the doubles feature two tie-break sets and a match tie-break.

Shanghai Masters – Venue and Facilities

The haven for the Shanghai Masters is the Qizhong Forest Sport City Arena, built in 2004 and 2005 and hosts all the tournament matches. The first high-profile event in the stadium was the Tennis Masters Cup held from 2005 to 2008 indoors.

The commission of the building came after the ATP had awarded a three-year contract (2005 – 2007) to the Chinese town to play host to the tournament and extend it by one more year (2008).

It took great engineering work to complete the 15,000-capacity arena wholly designed with a retractable roof of eight steel panels representing Shanghai’s city flower, the Magnolia. It is the largest and most sophisticated piece of art tennis arena in the entirety of Asia, that’s why it has been given the honours to play host to such a landmark event.

Αυτό είναι το Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena στη Σαγκάη (14.000 θέσεις) με την εντυπωσιακή οροφή, εκεί όπου φιλοξενούνται οι αγώνες για το τελευταίο outdoor Masters 1000 της σεζόν. Από το 2003 και το Heineken Open σ’ ένα γήπεδο 3.500 θέσεων, η Σαγκάη μεταμορφώθηκε σ’ ένα από τα… pic.twitter.com/9uq1vgos6O

— Thanos Stathopoulos (@stathopoulosth) October 4, 2023

As of 2013, the Arena’s Grand Stand Court 1 is the central and hosts the most important events. It is ranked fifth in capacity alongside some great arenas: Wimbledon Centre Court and Beijing National Tennis Stadium. The stadium had to undergo improvements to accommodate such an event with many games and more players. In preparation for the first edition in 2009, they built Grand Stand Court 2, which can host five thousand, and Grand Stand Court 3, which can host three thousand people.

Shanghai Masters Previous Winners

Here is a detailed list of former Shanghai Masters winners in the singles tournament;

Here is a detailed list of former Shanghai Masters winners in the doubles tournament;

Shanghai Masters – Current Top Contenders

As the Shanghai Masters gains momentum, the spotlight is firmly on a select group of top-tier athletes. These are the players with the most favourable chances, the individuals who might just claim the championship. While emerging talents are causing a stir, it would be a mistake to overlook the veterans in the game. The scene is perfectly arranged for a thrilling face-off. Let’s explore the frontrunners with a strong shot at securing this year’s crown.

Shanghai Masters – Carlos Alcaraz

The Spaniard will be making his debut in Shanghai. In the absence of World number one Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz will be the player in China with the highest rank, coming into the tournament in fine form as the reigning Wimbledon Champion. He will face some fine players looking to down him and could meet either Gregoire Barrere in the second round, who is the top favourite to win the tournament. At just twenty, the maestro already has twelve ATP Tour singles titles, including his most recent, the Wimbledon and the 2022 USA Open and four Masters 1000.

First win ✅! 😊🔝😎🚀 @SH_RolexMasters

📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/gYwWR4yKiP

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) October 7, 2023

Shanghai Masters – Daniil Medvedev

The defending Champion has enjoyed a four-year reign unchallenged and would be expected to play strongly for the title. He has a tough test as he is groomed in a tough quarter alongside Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner, who would give him a tough run for the money. The twenty-seven-year-old has triumphed in tour-level titles on the hard court this year and is expected to match up the challenge as the World number three should give a strong show in China. He has his eyes set on finishing at the top of the ATP tour for a second season running.

Shanghai Masters – Records

Spectators who witnessed the 2012 final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic certainly got their monies worth with the match lasting 34 games. Britain’s Andy Murray took the first set 7-5, but Djokovic fought back, taking the next two 7-6 and 6-3.

Andy Murray was also involved in the shortest Shanghai Masters Singles final, beating the legendary Roger Federer in the 2010 final that lasted 17 games. Nine years later, the match between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev also lasted 17 games, with Medvedev coming on top.

Shanghai Masters 2023 Betting Odds

• Carlos Alcaraz: 5/4
• Jannik Sinner: 13/5
• Andrey Rublev: 14/1
• Sebastian Korda: 14/1
• Hubert Hurkacz: 14/1
• Casper Ruud: 16/1
• Stefanos Tsitsipas: 20/1
• Ben Shelton: 22/1
• Taylor Fritz: 25/1
• Tommy Paul: 33/1

Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked as the world no. 2, is a force to be reckoned with in men’s tennis.

At just 20 years old, he has already won a Grand Slam after beating Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 in the US Open final to earn his first Grand Slam title at age 19. That victory made him the youngest man to be ranked No. 1. The youngster has defeated top players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Known for his work ethic and determination, Alcaraz has quickly risen through the ranks since making his professional debut at age 16 in 2020. He prefers to be called “Carlitos” and has a keen interest in fashion, being sponsored by brands like Nike, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton. His odds of 5/4 for the Shanghai Masters make him a strong contender for the title.

With odds of 13/5 at tennis betting sites, Jannik Sinner is another young talent who has been making waves in the tennis world. His aggressive playstyle and strong baseline game make him a formidable opponent on any surface.

Nice to meet you Shanghai 🇨🇳

Very happy to come through a hard match today 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/b8ytoNrYaE

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 8, 2023

Andrey Rublev, Sebastian Korda, and Hubert Hurkacz, all with odds of 14/1 at bet365, are experienced players who have shown their capability to win titles and defeat top-ranked players. They bring a mix of power and finesse to the court, making them dangerous opponents.

Casper Ruud, with odds of 16/1, has been known for his strong clay-court game but has also been improving on other surfaces. His consistent performances make him a dark horse in the tournament.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, with odds of 20/1, is a versatile player known for his one-handed backhand and net skills. Despite his talent, he has struggled with consistency, reflected in his odds.

Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul, with odds ranging from 22/1 to 33/1, are considered the underdogs in this tournament. However, tennis is a sport full of surprises, and any of these players could potentially cause an upset.

Shanghai Masters – Fan Experience

The tickets can be found on the competition’s official website using Alipay or WeChat. There are two types of tickets: Category S and Category B. Category S have the best view closer to the match court but are way pricier than Category B tickets. Children aged two and below will not be permitted in the arena.

One must have a passport, ID Card, and a travel permit. You may be requested to show the ID you used to pay for the ticket before entering the stadium.