Review of this season's ATP 500 tournament champions (Part 1): Tsitsipas breaks through, Makhach claims his first career title

With the conclusion of two men's 500 tournaments simultaneously, it marks the end of all 500 events this year. It's time for a comprehensive recap of this year's 500 tournaments. Let's look at each event's champion and the rankings of the opponents they defeated. Due to length constraints, today's summary will cover the first half.

Dallas: Shapovalov

(55 Kecmanovic, 4 Fritz, 25 Makhach, 9 Paul, 5 Ruud)

The Dallas tournament is one of two events upgraded from 250 to 500 level this year. Chinese player Wu Yibing won this event a few years ago. In the inaugural upgraded edition, former prodigy Shapovalov seized the opportunity, defeating top players including American No.1 Fritz, No.2 Paul, and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud in five matches to claim the most significant title of his career so far.

Although there was a long gap between Shapovalov’s first career title in Stockholm and his second, this recent surge was a long time coming. Starting late last season, the Canadian won three titles consecutively, matching the number of titles won by the "twin stars" during the same period.

Rotterdam: Alcaraz

(84 Van de Zandschulp, 317 Vavassori, 44 Pe-Martinez, 21 Hurkacz, 8 Deminal)

Honestly, the average ranking of Alcaraz's opponents on his way to the title was not particularly high, but this was his first championship on indoor hard courts, which is highly significant. This victory will likely boost his confidence heading into the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals.

Doha: Rublev

(48 Bublik, 39 Borges, 8 Deminal, 23 Aliassime, 16 Draper)

Also an upgraded event. The former king of 500 tournaments showed his class by defeating only top 50 ranked players. However, this remains one of Rublev’s few highlights this season. Even under Safin’s coaching, his performance in major tournaments has declined year by year.

Rio de Janeiro: Baez

(137 Bruchaga, 46 Navarro, 125 Zeng Junxin, 91 Carabelli, 60 Miller)

Clay court specialist Baez continues to add to his trophy collection. Though he defeated few well-known players, the important thing is that the title and prize money have been secured again.

Dubai: Tsitsipas

(35 Sonego, 24 Khachanov, 30 Berrettini, 47 Griekspoor, 21 Aliassime)

Another meaningful title, the Greek player finally won his first 500-level trophy after many years of waiting. Notably, he defeated Aliassime in the final, the same player who once took his first tour-level title from him. Could this be considered a full circle?

Acapulco: Makhach

(54 Menchik, 76 Altmaier, 83 Lener-Chien, 42 Brandon Nakashima, 48 Davidovich)

His first career title being a 500 event! Makhach caught up with former players like Musetti, becoming the highest-ranked Czech at the time, and has now firmly established himself among the top players.

Munich: Zverev

(40 Miller, 68 Altmaier, 37 Griekspoor, 77 Mauro Ran, 15 Shelton)

This is one of the few highlights for Zverev this season after finishing runner-up at the Australian Open. In his hometown tournament, he lived up to local fans' expectations by winning the title once again.

Barcelona: Rune

(234 Ramos, 35 Baez, 10 Ruud, 27 Khachanov, 2 Alcaraz)

This is one of the few titles Alcaraz missed out on this season despite reaching the final. Although physical issues affected him, Rune’s strong form and his victories over many top clay court contenders are undeniable.

Hamburg: Cobolli

(235 Sachko, 26 Davidovich, 57 Agut, 55 Echeverri, 17 Rublev)

This young Italian had a breakthrough mid-season, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals and winning several titles, including his career-high level event.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)