ATP Shanghai: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
The ATP Shanghai Masters is a prestigious tennis tournament held annually in Shanghai, China. It is part of the ATP Masters 1000 Series, one of the highest levels of men's professional tennis.
The Shanghai Masters was first held in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular and well-attended tournaments on the ATP Tour. It is played on outdoor hard courts at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center.
History and Past Winners
The inaugural ATP Shanghai Masters was won by Nikolay Davydenko. Other notable past winners include:
*Tournament Format
The ATP Shanghai Masters features a 56-player singles draw and a 24-team doubles draw. The singles tournament is played over four rounds, with the top 8 seeds receiving a bye into the second round.
The doubles tournament is played over three rounds, with the top 4 seeds receiving a bye into the second round.
Notable Matches
The ATP Shanghai Masters has hosted some of the most memorable matches in recent tennis history. Some notable matches include:
*Impact on the ATP Tour
The ATP Shanghai Masters is considered one of the most important tournaments on the ATP Tour. It is a significant source of ranking points and prize money, and it can have a major impact on the race to qualify for the ATP Finals.
The tournament also has a positive impact on the development of Chinese tennis. It has helped to raise the profile of the sport in China and has inspired many young Chinese players to take up the game.
Conclusion
The ATP Shanghai Masters is a world-class tennis tournament that attracts the best players in the world. It is a significant event on the ATP Tour and has a major impact on the sport of tennis in China.