The Shanghai Masters continues, and Daniil Medvedev secured his redemption after being disqualified from the recent China Open. Earlier this week, the world No. 6 accidentally hit a ball at a spectator while facing Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals in Beijing, and officials had no choice but to default him from the match. But Medvedev is back to winning ways at the Shanghai Masters, as the former champion came from a set down to beat Jan-Lennard Struff.
Djokovic's early exit
It wasn't to be for Djokovic in Shanghai, though. After winning his 102nd title in Beijing earlier this week, the 39-year-old had just three days to prepare for his tough opening match here against Hubert Hurkacz, but lost 6-4 6-3 – his first ever opening-round exit in Shanghai. Afterwards, the 10th seed brutally admitted that he “wasn't close” to the level he showed in Beijing, and came in feeling tired and out of sorts.
Alcaraz and Vacherot in action
Carlos Alcaraz will begin his campaign for a maiden Shanghai Masters title against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the man who handed Jannik Sinner a shock second-round defeat at Roland Garros earlier this year. This is Alcaraz's first appearance in Shanghai since 2024, and he has never been beyond the quarter-finals.
Defending champion Valentin Vacherot is back to try and retain his crown. A year ago, he enjoyed a fairytale run to the title as a qualifier ranked at No. 204 in the world. Now, he's the 17th seed, and he faces Sebastian Baez.
WTA action in Beijing
Over in Beijing, the WTA 1000 event is reaching a dramatic conclusion. Mirra Andreeva will face Nikola Bartunkova in the semi-finals, before home favourite Qinwen Zheng plays Elise Mertens for a place in the championship match.
Medvedev's redemption comes after a difficult few days, having been defaulted during a thrilling semi-final match at the China Open on Monday. Djokovic was serving for the match at 5-3 15-15 in the second set when Medvedev hit a ball, which accidentally made contact with a spectator sitting behind the baseline. He was disqualified, but has since issued a public apology to the fan in question and visited them to apologise in person. Medvedev has now shaken that off, coming from a set down to beat Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 6-4 6-3 in Shanghai, his first match since that unfortunate incident.
