SHANGHAI — Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have learned their paths for the Shanghai Masters, with the ATP 1000 draw confirmed even as both remain active elsewhere. Djokovic just beat Alexander Zverev to reach the China Open semi-finals in Beijing, extending his unbeaten record at the ATP 500 tournament to 32 matches, while Alcaraz has also just reached the Japan Open semi-finals.
Djokovic, a record four-time champion at the Shanghai Masters whose last title at the tournament came in 2018, faces a demanding route as the 10th seed. The 24-time Grand Slam champion receives a bye to the second round, where he could face former champion Hubert Hurkacz, with former world number five Lorenzo Musetti potentially awaiting in the third round. Others in his half include Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, with Alcaraz forecast as his final opponent. Djokovic has cast doubt on playing, saying last week after his second-round win at the China Open: “I don’t have that super clear right now. At the moment I’m also not really qualified yet for the race, for the Turin. I mean, this year I would like to play if I qualify. I’m planning also to play Paris Bercy. Shanghai, I still don’t know. I need to see how I feel here and then I decide.”
Alcaraz, the second seed, faces a slightly less daunting draw as he seeks his first Shanghai Masters title after two previous appearances without going past the quarter-finals. He could open against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who famously beat Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros earlier this year, with Peruvian Ignacio Buse as his first seeded opponent. His half also includes Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev and Tommy Paul, with defending champion Valentin Vacherot a potential fourth-round opponent, and Zverev forecast as his final opponent.
Djokovic, who is currently not forecast to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin despite stating that as a goal, has played a more limited schedule in recent years but did appear at the Shanghai Masters in both 2024 and 2025. The main draw in Shanghai does not get underway until October 7, leaving him a few days to decide, with focus first on his Beijing semi-final against Medvedev. His Japan Open run comes as Alcaraz vows aggressive plan for Munar Japan Open semi in Tokyo.