The Rolex Shanghai Masters draw ceremony on Stadium Court 2 on Monday featured wild cards Stan Wawrinka and Wu Yibing along with 24-time singles major champion Margaret Court. At the end of the ceremony, the retractable roof opened to the delight of fans who were in attendance.
"It's amazing what they are doing and how much they are improving every year," said Wawrinka, who is making his 12th tournament appearance. "Shanghai is one of the best 1000s to play and they keep upgrading it. As a player, it's always a pleasure to be back."
The 40-year-old Wawrinka, who is the oldest player in the singles draw, added, "I always enjoy to come back in Asia, especially in China. I have a lot of support here. It's amazing to have the opportunity to play one more time here. I am really grateful to receive the wild card and looking forward to starting the tournament."
Wawrinka, a quarter-finalist here in 2013 and 2015, takes on Fabian Marozsan of Hungary in the first round and the winner will meet No. 5 Taylor Fritz.
Wu is continuing his steady rise in the PIF ATP Rankings after being sidelined with several injuries from March 2019 until January 2022. Wu has climbed from No. 401 in June to No. 158 on Sept. 22 by compiling a 23-6 record on all levels.
"It's huge for fans they are able to come here for two weeks to come see the best tennis players in the world, coming to the same city," said Wu, who reached the third round last year. "It means a lot for myself, for the fans and hopefully everybody could enjoy watching some great tennis and hopefully all the players could do well here.
"This is the court that I won by first Challenger so it means a lot and I am very happy to see in China the huge development and bright future for the tournament."
"It's amazing what they are doing and how much they are improving every year," said Wawrinka, who is making his 12th tournament appearance. "Shanghai is one of the best 1000s to play and they keep upgrading it. As a player, it's always a pleasure to be back."
The 40-year-old Wawrinka, who is the oldest player in the singles draw, added, "I always enjoy to come back in Asia, especially in China. I have a lot of support here. It's amazing to have the opportunity to play one more time here. I am really grateful to receive the wild card and looking forward to starting the tournament."
Wawrinka, a quarter-finalist here in 2013 and 2015, takes on Fabian Marozsan of Hungary in the first round and the winner will meet No. 5 Taylor Fritz.
Wu is continuing his steady rise in the PIF ATP Rankings after being sidelined with several injuries from March 2019 until January 2022. Wu has climbed from No. 401 in June to No. 158 on Sept. 22 by compiling a 23-6 record on all levels.
"It's huge for fans they are able to come here for two weeks to come see the best tennis players in the world, coming to the same city," said Wu, who reached the third round last year. "It means a lot for myself, for the fans and hopefully everybody could enjoy watching some great tennis and hopefully all the players could do well here.
"This is the court that I won by first Challenger so it means a lot and I am very happy to see in China the huge development and bright future for the tournament."
