Since its inception in 2009, the Rolex Shanghai Masters has been one of the most prestigious stops on the ATP Masters 1000 calendar.
Over the years it has consistently attracted the game’s biggest names and produced some of its most memorable battles. Five of the 29 players who reached No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings triumphed in Shanghai: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner.
Two of that illustrious quintet are in the midst of deep runs this year: Medvedev, who will face Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Friday, and Djokovic, who will meet surprise package World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot in Saturday’s semi-finals.
As the 2025 tournament nears its conclusion, ATPTour.com celebrates the No. 1s who lifted the trophy in Shanghai.
Murray’s Triple Spark
Murray made Shanghai his playground with back-to-back titles in 2010-11, before returning in 2016 for one of the most important wins of his career.
When Murray arrived in Shanghai as world number 2, he had already built momentum with titles in Rome, Queen’s Club, Wimbledon and Beijing. But the Brit didn’t stop there: he stormed through the court without dropping a set to complete his hat-trick in Shanghai and later extended his winning streak to 24 matches to earn his only ATP Year-End No. 1, presented by PIF.
Djokovic’s breakthrough and record trophy in 2012
Djokovic memorably denied Murray’s bid for a three-peat in Shanghai in 2012. After semi-final appearances in 2009–10, Djokovic stormed through the field when he returned to Shanghai two years later to set up a clash with Murray in the final.
In a three-hour, 21-minute battle, Djokovic recovered from a set and a breakdown – saving five championship points along the way – to grab his first Shanghai crown. His win also avenged his recent US Open final defeat to Murray a month earlier and took a 9-7 lead in their fast-growing Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry.
Djokovic successfully defended his title in 2013 and won a further two trophies in 2015 and 2018, becoming the tournament’s most decorated champion.
Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murray in the Shanghai final in 2012. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.
Federer’s Shanghai prestige
Federer’s first Shanghai title in 2014 started with a great escape. In his opening match against Leonardo Mayer, the Swiss star saved five match points before surviving a thrilling tiebreak in the third set.
That outing lit a fire under Federer, who played through the rest of the draw – including top seed Djokovic in the semifinals – and lifted his first Shanghai trophy.
“I feel incredible prestige to win this event. Especially getting my hands on the trophy for the first time is a good feeling, I must say,” said Federer, who returned three years later to capture his second title in Shanghai and his 27th ATP Masters 1000 crown.
Roger Federer in action during the 2014 Shanghai final. Photo: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images
Medvedev’s Masterclass
Medvedev had already hinted at his potential in Shanghai when he pushed Federer to three sets in 2018, but he fully delivered on that promise the following year.
Medvedev returned in 2019 as world number 4 and a completely different player. He dominated the field with a near-flawless display of power and consistency to capture his first title in Shanghai. He ended his run with consecutive victories over two of his biggest rivals, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev, in the semi-finals and finals respectively.
The sinner’s statement
Sinner became the last ATP No. 1 Club member who shone in Shanghai, taking the title last year amid a late-season surge. He dropped just one set en route to a championship match with record champion Djokovic.
But with fearless execution and relentless focus, Sinner defeated the Serbian 7-6(4), 6-3 and broke his perfect 4-0 streak in the Shanghai final. The win, which cemented his status at the top of the game, marked the Italian’s seventh title of the season.
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