Jannik Sinner enters the 2025 Shanghai Masters as the defending champion and begins his campaign with a first-round bye. In round two, he’ll face either Daniel Altmaier or a qualifier—an opening that should allow him to settle into rhythm without immediate pressure.
Unpredictable third and fourth rounds
In round three, Sinner could meet Tallon Griekspoor or Jenson Brooksby. Both are known for their disruptive styles and ability to push top players into uncomfortable territory. The fourth round may bring Alexander Bublik or Tomas Machac, with Machac having stunned Alcaraz in Shanghai last year—an upset still fresh in memory.
Quarterfinals packed with firepower
The quarterfinal stage is loaded with talent: Taylor Fritz, Holger Rune, Ugo Humbert, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard are all possible opponents. Fritz has a history of troubling Sinner on hard courts, Rune brings intensity and unpredictability, while Humbert and Mpetshi Perricard offer aggressive, high-risk tennis that could shift momentum quickly.
Semifinal showdown with legends and rising stars
In the semifinals, Sinner may face Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton, or Casper Ruud. Djokovic remains the most formidable challenge, having lost to Sinner in the 2024 Shanghai final. Shelton’s explosive serve and Ruud’s baseline consistency present very different tactical puzzles.
“The season isn’t over. We’ve got Shanghai, Paris, Turin, and the Davis Cup. There are still big tournaments to play,” Sinner told after the China Open, underscoring his focus on the final stretch of the year.
A blockbuster final on the horizon
If Sinner reaches the final, he could face Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, or Lorenzo Musetti. Alcaraz is his main rival for the No. 1 ranking, Zverev has deep experience in Shanghai, De Minaur is in peak form, and Musetti has previously beaten Sinner in high-stakes matches.
Eyes on the title and year-end supremacy
With the ATP Finals approaching and the No. 1 ranking still within reach, Sinner’s Shanghai draw is both a challenge and an opportunity. Each round presents a unique test of his adaptability and mental strength. If he can navigate this field, he won’t just defend his title—he’ll reinforce his claim as the most complete player of 2025.
ATP Beijing - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Ranked no.2, Sinner played his last match on the 29th of September when he lost to Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Shanghai (draw).
Currently, during this year Sinner has achieved a compiled 39-5 match record. The Italian conquered 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner was the runner-up in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Vienna (Erste Bank Open). The main draw will start on the 20th of October.
ATP Shanghai - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Ranked no.4, Novak played his last match on the 29th of September when he surrendered to Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Shanghai (draw).
This season the Serbian achieved an overall 31-10 match record. Novak conquered 1 title in Geneva. Djokovic was the finalist in Miami.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic faced off 10 times. Their head to head is 6-4 for Sinner.