ATP Shanghai: A Comprehensive Guide to the Tournament
History and Overview
The Shanghai Masters is an annual tennis tournament held in Shanghai, China. As part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 tournament series, it is one of the most prestigious events on the men's professional tennis circuit.
The tournament was first held in 2009 and has been played on outdoor hard courts at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center since 2016. It features a 56-player singles draw and a 24-team doubles draw, with a combined prize pool of over $7 million.
Notable Winners and Records
The Shanghai Masters has attracted some of the biggest names in tennis over the years. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have dominated the event, with Federer winning the title four times (2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019) and Djokovic winning twice (2012 and 2015).
Other notable winners include Andy Murray (2010 and 2011), Rafael Nadal (2013), and Daniil Medvedev (2021). Feliciano López holds the record for most doubles titles, with three (2014, 2016, and 2017), all alongside Marc López.
Tournament Format
The Shanghai Masters follows the standard ATP Masters 1000 tournament format:
- 56-player singles draw, played in a single-elimination format
- 24-team doubles draw, played in a single-elimination format
- Round-robin format for the top 8 seeds in singles
- Best-of-three-set matches throughout the tournament
- No-ad scoring and a 25-second serve clock
Significance and Impact
The Shanghai Masters is one of the most popular and lucrative tournaments on the ATP Tour. It has played a significant role in the development of tennis in China and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the region.
The tournament also offers valuable ranking points for players, as well as prize money. A win in Shanghai can significantly boost a player's ranking and provide a springboard for success in other major tournaments.
Conclusion
The Shanghai Masters is a highly respected and prestigious event on the ATP Tour. It consistently attracts a world-class field of players and provides exciting and competitive tennis. The tournament has made a significant contribution to the growth of tennis in China and remains one of the most important events on the calendar.
