The ATP Tour now shifts to Shanghai for the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season, promising plenty of intrigue for tennis fans. Defending champion Jannik Sinner will look to replicate last year’s success, though the challenge will be fierce with the top eight seeds all vying for the coveted trophy and 1000 ranking points. With the event yet to begin, it’s worth spotlighting the top contenders ready to produce a thrilling spectacle.
Who Are the Top Contenders at the 2025 Shanghai Masters?
Last year’s quarterfinalist Carlos Alcaraz enters this year’s event as the top seed, with the draw announced on Sept. 29. Because of his seeding, the Spaniard has also received a direct entry into the second round. Fresh off his US Open win and at least a semifinal run in Tokyo, Alcaraz aims to do well in Shanghai, where he would be defending 200 points.
Alcaraz d. Nakashima 6-2 6-4
Carlos reaches his 11th semifinal of the year
✅1st Tokyo SF
✅Won 41 of last 43 matches
✅65th win of 2025No signs of slowing down
All gas, no breaks for the World #1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 28, 2025
The pressure is squarely on second seed Jannik Sinner, who has to defend not only his title but also 1000 ranking points. In the first half of the draw this year, the Italian captured the trophy last year with a commanding victory over Novak Djokovic.
Third seed Alexander Zverev, who made it to the fourth round last year, will defend 100 ranking points this year. Moreover, last year’s finalist Djokovic, making his much-anticipated return after the US Open, enters the tournament as the fourth seed and will look to defend 650 points. The draw’s intensity is further heightened by 2024 semifinalist and fifth seed Taylor Fritz, who defends 400 points.
Another player to watch is sixth seed Ben Shelton, who is coming off a phenomenal North American hard-court swing, highlighted by a Masters 1000 title in Toronto. The American, who exited in the third round last year, will defend 50 points in 2025. Meanwhile, seventh seed Alex De Minaur, who withdrew from last year’s event, enters the tournament without ranking-point pressure.
Eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti will aim to turn the tide this year. Last year, he had a disappointing run, exiting in the second round, and will defend just 30 points in 2025.
Other Standout Performers From Last Year’s Shanghai Masters
There are still a few names who can’t be overlooked, having found their stride last year amid tough competition. Tomáš Macháč was one standout, reaching the semifinals after a memorable quarterfinal victory over Alcaraz. His run was ultimately halted by Sinner, who defeated him in straight sets.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz Sends Cheeky Message on American Presence in Tokyo Semifinals
Current 16th seed Daniil Medvedev also reached the quarterfinals last year but was ousted in straight sets by defending champion Sinner. Czech youngster Jakub Menšík impressed with a remarkable quarterfinal run, only to be stopped by eventual finalist Djokovic. The Serb then defeated Fritz in straight sets in the semifinals but couldn’t overcome Sinner’s challenge in the final.
As Shanghai gets underway, fans will be eager to discover whether any underdogs can challenge the top seeds and pull off surprises.
The legitimate top 2 3 4 5 should be moved up and Moutet taken the now open 5th seed place. Only fair to have 2 legitimate top seeds in each of the 2 brackets.