Carlos Alcaraz arrives in Shanghai ahead of his Rolex Shanghai Masters debut
Carlos Alcaraz has arrived in Shanghai for the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season, scheduled to debut against the winner of the match between Juan Manuel Cerúndolo and Nicolás Mejía. Following his title run at the Japan Open in Tokyo, the 23-year-old champion of seven Grand Slams landed in China seeking one of the few major trophies still missing from his resume.
Appearing in the press room at the Rolex Shanghái Masters on Thursday, Alcaraz told reporters that he feels physically and mentally refreshed for the Asian hard-court swing. Right now I feel very well. I feel fresh, wanting to face this tour and this tournament. I am training very well,
Alcaraz explained during his media availability.
An extended offseason provides a physical reset
Alcaraz approaches the final stretch of the season with renewed optimism after dealing with injuries that disrupted substantial portions of his 2026 campaign. Sidelined for nearly five months due to a wrist injury earlier in the year, the Spanish star reached the quarterfinals of the US Open before capturing the Tokyo crown. Alcaraz acknowledged that this autumn stretch has historically challenged him, but his extended absence from the tour has worked to his competitive advantage.
Now, we are going to try to take advantage of the fact that I missed a large part of the season. I have been at home, recovering, and now I am very eager to be traveling and to give everything,
Alcaraz said.
A potential opening test against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo
Seeded second in the tournament following the withdrawal of Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz holds a career-best result in Shanghai of reaching the quarterfinals in 2024, when he fell to Czech player Tomas Machac. He missed the tournament entirely last year. His first opponent at the Rolex Shanghái Masters will be Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, who advanced past Colombia’s Nicolás Mejía in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).
Alcaraz anticipates a demanding baseline test against either player. It will be a cool match, a tournament start that is going to be interesting,
Alcaraz stated.
Novak Djokovic chases a historic Masters 1000 milestone
While Alcaraz prepares for his opening round, 39-year-old Novak Djokovic arrives in Shanghai following a title victory at the China Open in Beijing, which marked the 102nd title of his career. Djokovic is set to face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the second round after Hurkacz defeated Australia’s James Duckworth (6-3, 7-6(4)).
Regardless of his final result in China, Djokovic will establish a new record by making his 140th career appearance in a Masters 1000 tournament, surpassing Spain’s Feliciano López and Switzerland’s Roger Federer at 138 appearances. Djokovic remains the tenista with more trophies in Shanghai, having previously lifted the trophy in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018.
National pride and the upcoming Davis Cup commitments
Beyond his individual goals on the ATP Tour, Alcaraz spoke candidly about his desire to represent Spain in the upcoming Davis Cup ties. I give thanks for being Spanish. Representing my flag is one of the best things that can happen to me,
the player from El Palmar told reporters in Shanghai.
Worth a look
