It's almost time for the first ball to be struck at the 2026 Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Qualifying action begins Monday at Qi Zhong Tennis Centre, where 48 players will attempt to claim one of 12 spots in the main draw reserved for qualifiers.
Main draw action commences Wednesday with 96 of the world’s best players lining up for the year’s eighth ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The draw will be made at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
The top 32 seeds all receive byes in the first round and will play their first matches Friday and Saturday.
In addition to competing for one of the biggest titles on Tour, the Rolex Shanghai Masters offers star players a key opportunity to press their qualification hopes for the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals, to be held in Turin November 15-22.
Alexander Zverev, 2024 Shanghai champion Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have already qualified. US Open finalist Ben Shelton, sitting third in the PIF ATP Race to Turin, is next in line to qualify. Flavio Cobolli, hoping to join Sinner as the second Italian in Turin, is fifth in the Race, followed by Frances Tiafoe, Arthur Fils, Daniil Medvedev, fast-rising Spaniard Rafael Jodar and 10th-placed Taylor Fritz.
Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot is the defending champion in Shanghai after his fairytale run from qualifying to the title last year.
The Masters Carnival is already underway and continuing through Sunday, offering fans the chance to experience the excitement of the tournament ahead of the opening matches.
Fans can explore exclusive tournament merchandise, watch player practice sessions, visit the Tennis Museum, and enjoy a wide range of interactive fan activities, entertainment, food and beverage offerings.
Following its successful debut last year, the popular ACE Pet Zone returns, once again creating a welcoming, pet-friendly space for fans and their four-legged companions.
On Sunday fans have another chance to connect with family and friends and enjoy a different side of the tournament in a comfortable outdoor setting designed for everyone to create lasting memories beyond the tennis.
Fans turned out in strong numbers with their four-legged friends in the ACE Pet Zone.
