The Rolex Shanghai Masters is set to celebrate the return of ATP Masters 1000 tennis to China for the first time since 2019 this October with an expanded 12-day tournament and the presence of Roger Federer.
With main-draw action to be played 4-15 October at the unique QiZhong Tennis Centre, the expanded 96 singles draw will be played across ‘Golden Week’ that includes China’s National Holiday. Federer, a two-time former champion, will return as a celebrated guest with the title of Icon Athlete of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
In addition to featuring the world’s greatest players including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, defending champion Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the tournament will showcase China’s own fast-rising stars Zhang Zhizhen, Wu Yibing and Shang Juncheng.
The event will also host the ITF J100 international youth tennis tournament, covering men’s and women’s singles and doubles. This is also the first time that the Rolex Shanghai Masters has simultaneously held an international youth tournament which gives tennis fans a glimpse into the future.
A digital service for fans will be a focus of this year’s tournament. For the first time, electronic ticketing with real-time registration, mobile ordering, intelligent customer service, and other digital services will be introduced to provide fans with convenient experiences.
Looking ahead to his return to Shanghai, former two-time Rolex Shanghai Masters champion Federer said, “I’m very excited to be named Rolex Shanghai Masters Icon Athlete for 2023. I remember coming to Shanghai for the first time for the opening of the stadium and I have been close friends with Juss Event and tournament organisers. I am happy to keep the story going and I look forward to seeing everyone in October.”
Speaking at a launch event Monday, Tournament Director Michael Luevano said: “Innovation is something we pride ourselves on at Juss Event and in Shanghai. The Rolex Shanghai Masters opened the door to the growth and development of world tennis in China and we are very proud of our achievements.
“We are the first and only tournament in Asia to be staged over two weeks. It will provide players with more jobs, it will provide fans with more thrilling tennis from some of the most exciting and dynamic athletes in the world, and it will continue to be the spearhead for tennis in Asia.
“The new look Rolex Shanghai Masters, which has been developing over recent years, is ready to shine and ready to return, and host the world’s best tennis players. We will continue to be the benchmark for world tennis in Asia.”
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Massimo Calvelli, ATP CEO, said: “The ATP Tour’s return to China in 2023 is a significant moment for tennis. We’re thrilled to mark it with our flagship Asian tournament, the Rolex Shanghai Masters, expanding into a 12-day event. This promises even more incredible action between the best players in the world. We’re excited to reconnect with our Chinese fans this season and to continue building on our sport’s success in the region.”
Leaders from the Chinese Tennis Association, Shanghai Administration of Sports, Minhang District, Shanghai Jiushi (Group), Juss Sports, Juss Event, Mr. Massimo Calvelli, ATP Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daniele Sano, ATP Chief Business Officer, Ms. Alison Lee, ATP Executive Vice-President International, Mr. Michael Luevano, Tournament Director of the Rolex Shanghai Masters and Mr. Charles Humphrey Smith, ATP Tournament Advisory Council member, were joined by representatives of tournament sponsors to witness the grand opening of Asia’s first and only two-week tennis tournament.