Zhang Zhizhen Leads Chinese Players in Shanghai Masters

SHANGHAI, China – Zhang Zhizhen is set to compete in the Shanghai Masters starting October 1, 2025, marking a significant return to his hometown after overcoming a six-month shoulder injury. The 28-year-old tennis player is the only Chinese athlete to reach the last 16 in this prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event.

Zhang’s career soared in 2023, making history as the first Chinese man to reach the quarter-finals at an ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid. He later climbed to a then-career-high ranking of No. 52 and became the first man from China to defeat a Top 5 opponent during a Grand Slam event.

<p“In 2023, I felt a special connection with the crowd,” Zhang said in a recent interview. “If people are watching us do something and trying to follow us, that’s great news for us.” He highlighted the importance of raising awareness of tennis in China, where sports like table tennis and badminton have traditionally dominated.

This year, Zhang returns to Shanghai buoyed by a victory in Hangzhou, which followed his rise to No. 31 in the ATP rankings. He will be joined by fellow countrymen Shang Juncheng, Wu Yibing, Buyunchaokete, and Zhou Yi at the hard-court tournament.

Shang, 20, is also making his comeback after a foot injury and aims to build on his successful season that included winning his first ATP title. Meanwhile, Wu, 25, continues to gain momentum after becoming China’s first ATP Tour winner in 2023.

The tournament runs from October 1 to October 12, 2025, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 1, unable to compete due to an ankle injury. Alcaraz expressed disappointment over his withdrawal, stating he hoped to return next year. In his absence, French player Corentin Moutet has stepped into the 33rd seed position.

As the tournament nears, Zhang and his compatriots prepare to make their mark on the global stage in front of enthusiastic local fans.