Could this be the most unique Masters tournament in history?

The Shanghai Masters has ended, but evaluations around it are still ongoing. Even though the champion’s title is not very prominent, overall this edition remains one of the more notable tournaments in Masters history.

Take a look:

Djokovic, who initially wasn’t planning to compete, suddenly made a surprise appearance.

Compared to last year, Djokovic’s schedule was more streamlined this year. Beyond the four Grand Slams, he seldom participates in Masters events. After finishing the Shanghai Masters, the only confirmed tournament was the Greek 250-level event. Even the year-end finals were uncertain. Perhaps it was the affection from Chinese fans that motivated him to make one last Shanghai appearance late in his career. His last-minute decision to participate even pushed the organizers to overnight reposition him as the centerpiece of the promotional posters.

The unstoppable Auger-Aliassime withdrew at the last moment.

Where there are unexpected arrivals, there are also unexpected absences. After missing the defending run at the China Open, Auger-Aliassime was definitely expected to come to the Shanghai Masters. However, following the Japan 500 tournament, his physical condition deteriorated, and to be safe, he withdrew from the Shanghai Masters.

The off-season rainy and humid weather kept players complaining, with the most consistent Sinner leading seven players to retire during matches.

This autumn’s weather in Shanghai was very unusual; the off-season heat and humidity made it difficult for many foreign players to adapt. Players like Sinner, Tsitsipas, and Wu Yibing all announced withdrawals either during or before their matches. Medical timeouts during matches and even instances of Medvedev cramping became commonplace.

Medvedev, who loves Shanghai the most, managed a comeback despite cramping.

Medvedev, known for his verbal skills, made it to the semifinals, which is a solid achievement, but his path was full of difficulties. There was even a moment on court when the referee questioned whether he was playing passively. Ultimately, he still couldn’t break his more than two-year title drought at the place where he dreamed of winning his first Masters title.

A qualifier dark horse eliminated Djokovic, won eight consecutive matches, and reached the final—ushering in the lowest-ranked champion in Masters history.

The final was a matchup between the younger cousin Vacherot and the older cousin Lindeknech. The former started from the qualifiers and wouldn’t have even had a chance if the Brazilian rising star Fonseca hadn’t withdrawn. What a surprise for the Monaco player to emerge! The Frenchman, ranked outside the top 50 and previously unremarkable on the tour, impressed by defeating Zverev and then Medvedev. Together, they created the Masters final with the lowest-ranked players and crowned the lowest-ranked champion ever.

Each of these events alone would be extraordinary, yet this year they all happened at the Shanghai Masters. One can only say this may be the most astonishing and unique Masters tournament ever held.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)