Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 24 seed at the Shanghai Masters, pulled out of the tournament on Saturday shortly before his second-round match. He was set to face Nuno Borges in the final match of the day on Show Court 3. Organizers confirmed that the Greek star had withdrawn due to a leg injury, and he was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Aleksandar Vukic.
A Season Plagued by Injuries
The 27-year-old has faced a difficult 2025 season, marked by recurring physical setbacks. Tsitsipas retired from Wimbledon over the summer due to back pain and missed the ATP 500 event in Beijing. His last competitive appearance came during Greece’s Davis Cup tie against Brazil three weeks ago, where he lost to teenage sensation Joao Fonseca. Tsitsipas led 5-3 in the deciding set but ultimately fell 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, later revealing that his back flared up while serving for the match.
Clarifications and Future Plans
Despite speculation about surgery, Tsitsipas recently addressed rumors, stating: “I would like to clarify that I have not undergone back surgery and I am doing well.” He added that he had undergone a “special type of examination” and was hoping to compete pain-free in the final stretch of the season.
His withdrawal from Shanghai casts doubt on his participation in upcoming events, including the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to replace Jack Draper. The lucrative event offers £1.1 million for participation, with an additional £3.3 million for the winner.
Opportunity for Aleksandar Vukic
Australian Aleksandar Vukic, ranked just outside the top 60, steps into the draw as Tsitsipas’ replacement. Vukic has had a breakthrough year, reaching his first ATP final and securing wins over higher-ranked opponents. His inclusion reshuffles the tournament’s order of play and offers him a chance to gain valuable ranking points.
Ranking and Year-End Implications
Tsitsipas, once ranked No. 3 in the world, currently sits at No. 25. His withdrawal means he forfeits the opportunity to defend the 100 points he earned in Shanghai last year. With only 1,425 points in the Race to Turin, his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals are slim.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2025
Ranked no.25, Stefanos played his last match on the 4th of October when he capitulated to world no.49 Daniel Altmaier 7-6(5) 1-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Stefanos achieved a 22-18 record. Tsitsipas has won 1 title in Dubai.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Vienna. The main draw will start on the 20th of October.