2025 Shanghai Masters Draw: Preview and Prediction Featuring Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz

Both the first ATP 500 tournaments on the Asian swing- the China Open and the Japan Open- were concluded this week. As predicted, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz took home the former and latter trophies, respectively.

Now ATP players’ focus has shifted toward the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season- the Shanghai Masters. The 14th edition of the Shanghai Masters is underway at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China.

Tournament Details

• Defending Champion: Jannik Sinner
• Tournament: 2025 Shanghai Masters
• Date: October 1- October 12
• No. of Entrants: 96 (Singles)
• Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China.
• Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
• Total Prize Money Pool: $9,193,540

Top seeds at the 2025 Shanghai Masters

• Jannik Sinner
• Alexander Zverev
• Novak Djokovic
• Taylor Fritz
• Ben Shelton
• Alex de Minaur
• Lorenzo Musetti
• Karen Khachanov
• Holger Rune
• Casper Ruud

First quarter

Carlos Alcaraz would have headlined this draw had he played, but he withdrew due to an ankle injury, and he lost only 200 points. He is replaced by Mackenzie McDonald.

The first quarter also has players such as Learner Tien, Alex de Minaur, Cameron Norrie, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Karen Khachanov. Medvedev and Tsitsipas are not in great form, so they could end up losing in the early rounds.

Quarterfinal prediction: Alex de Minaur vs. Learner Tien

Second quarter

Alexander Zverev and Lorenzo Musetti are part of this draw. The former is not enjoying good form, but he at least is expected to reach the quarterfinals.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, one of the semifinalists in this year’s US Open, could meet Musetti in the fourth round. Apart from them, eyes will also be on Denis Shapovalov, Jiri Lehecka, and Jakub Mensik (he won the Miami Open this year).

Quarterfinal prediction: Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Musetti

Third quarter

Ben Shelton is back on tour after nursing an injury he suffered during the US Open. But all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic, who will also be playing his first tournament since the US Open and was the runner-up in Shanghai last year.

Shelton clinched his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open. Before reaching the quarterfinals, the American could run into three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in the fourth round. Francisco Cerundolo, Andrey Rublev, and Frances Tiafoe are some of the players Djokovic could face en route to the last four.

Quarterfinal prediction: Novak Djokovic vs. Ben Shelton

Fourth quarter

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, Tomas Machac, and Taylor Fritz are some of the players in the fourth quarter. But the top seed here is defending champion Jannik Sinner.

World No.2 Sinner has the golden opportunity to narrow the rankings gap to 390 points if he wins the Shanghai Masters. Sinner could meet Bublik (he defeated the Italian in the Halle Open second round) in the fourth round.

Quarterfinal prediction: Jannik Sinner vs. Taylor Fritz

Semifinals

Although Tien reached the China Open final, De Minaur is the more experienced player between the two and would be the favorite to reach the semifinals. Because Zverev is dealing with a slump in form, Musetti, who played the Chengdu Open final, is expected to beat the three-time Grand Slam finalist in the semifinal.

If Djokovic meets Shelton, it will be their second encounter on the tour after the 2023 US Open semifinals, which the former won. Sinner will be the heavy favorite if he meets Fritz in the quarterfinals, given that he holds a 4-1 head-to-head record over last year’s US Open runner-up.

Semifinal prediction:

• Learner Tien vs. Lorenzo Musetti
• Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner

Final

In the Sinner versus Djokovic semifinal, the former would have an edge, given that he has won their last four meetings. Sinner would enter the final as the favorite to win if he meets compatriot Musetti.

Sinner has met the World No.9 three times, winning all. If they face each other, then it will be their second encounter this year after the US Open quarterfinals.

Final prediction: Lorenzo Musetti vs. Jannik Sinner
Winner prediction: Jannik Sinner

Also read: Jannik Sinner Gives his Take on the Debate Surrounding Increasingly Packed Tennis Schedule