Five Top Players Withdraw from 2025 Shanghai Masters

The 2025 Shanghai Masters, set to commence on October 1, 2025, will see the absence of several notable players due to injuries. Taking place at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre, the tournament is one of the final Masters 1000 events of the season, offering players a crucial chance to earn 1,000 ranking points. With a draw announced on September 29, defending champion Jannik Sinner, along with top-ranked stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev, are set to compete. However, five prominent players will miss out.

One of the most significant withdrawals comes from Jack Draper, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a left-arm injury diagnosed as bone bruising in his humerus. After pulling out of the US Open, Draper announced his decision to cease participation for the year to focus on recovery. Prior to his injury, he enjoyed a breakout season, securing his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and reaching the Madrid final, which propelled him into the top 10 of the ATP rankings. Unfortunately, the injury has disrupted his promising trajectory.

Another player absent from the Shanghai Masters is Tommy Paul, who faces ongoing foot problems that have plagued his season. Paul has struggled with a tendon issue in his foot and an abdominal strain, which have limited his ability to compete effectively. Despite showing potential earlier in the year, his physical challenges have hindered his performance, making his withdrawal from the Shanghai event particularly disappointing as it also complicates his chances for qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Grigor Dimitrov has also confirmed his withdrawal, citing a pectoral injury sustained during a match at Wimbledon against Jannik Sinner. Leading two sets to none, Dimitrov was forced to retire mid-match, resulting in Sinner eventually winning the Grand Slam title. Throughout 2025, Dimitrov’s performances have been inconsistent, hampered by injuries. The pectoral issue further complicates his efforts to conclude the season positively.

In addition, Arthur Fils has been sidelined with a stress fracture in his lower back, a persistent issue that has prevented him from participating in major tournaments this season. Despite demonstrating potential by reaching the quarterfinals at several Masters 1000 events earlier in the year and climbing into the Top 14, Fils has struggled to regain fitness, which has ultimately ruled him out of the Shanghai Masters.

Lastly, veteran player Gael Monfils will not compete due to an ankle injury he sustained in his last tournament. Having already faced physical challenges throughout the season, Monfils’ withdrawal underscores the difficulties athletes face as they navigate injuries. His absence from Shanghai denies him the opportunity to continue building on his recent good form.

As the Shanghai Masters approaches, the impact of these withdrawals is significant. With several top players missing, the tournament landscape will shift, allowing emerging talents an opportunity to step into the limelight. As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on those who remain, including the defending champion and the current world number one, as they vie for the prestigious title.