The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) officially designated the Shanghai Rolex Masters as the “ATP 1000 Tournament of the Year” for the 2026 season on Nov. 14.
The award, determined by objective scoring from players across multiple operational categories, marks a return to the top of the tour rankings for the Chinese event.
The ATP 1000 Masters series represents the highest tier of tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams. Players vote on the event based on facility quality, organizational standards, and professional services provided throughout the two-week duration of the tournament, which takes place at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
The recognition follows two consecutive years in which the Shanghai Rolex Masters received the ATP “Standards of Excellence” award. While the Indian Wells Masters and the Cincinnati Open held the top tournament title in the previous two cycles, tournament officials credited consistent infrastructure investment for this year’s top ranking.
“Before this, we won the best tournament award for five consecutive years, which shows that every event is constantly improving,” said Yang Yibin, chairman of Shanghai Juss Sports Group. “We have been working hard to win this honor back.”
The tournament renovated the player gym in 2023, expanding it to 800 square meters and adding dedicated outdoor warm-up areas. These hardware updates are part of a long-term strategy to maintain the venue’s status among international players.
Since 2023, the event has undergone a structural transformation, moving from a one-week schedule to a 14-day format. This transition expanded the singles draw from 56 to 96 players, placing the tournament firmly into the “Super Masters” category of the ATP tour.
The 2026 edition saw nearly 250,000 total attendees, with box office revenue and sponsorship figures reaching new highs, according to event organizers. The tournament also integrated city-wide activations for the first time, including a “Masters Carnival” held during the National Day holiday and a secondary official site established in the Jing’an Suhe Bay area.
Beyond court facilities, organizers focused on catering to an increasingly diverse international field. Tournament staff noted a rise in the number of Spanish-speaking and South American players participating in the 2026 draw.
“We added Spanish-speaking volunteers and specifically introduced South American cuisine to provide players with an experience closer to home,” Yang said. The tournament’s player dining service is frequently cited by competitors as one of the best on the professional circuit.
Tournament Director Lu Huayong accepted the trophy on behalf of the organization. Looking ahead, Juss Sports Group plans to continue the “tournament-plus” model, which links the event to local cultural and tourism consumption, aiming to further develop high-end hospitality and derivative merchandise sales.
Earlier coverage: Shanghai Masters Named ATP Best ATP 1000 Tournament of the Year
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