Will Djokovic or Medvedev Extend the Legacy of the ATP No. 1 Club in Shanghai?
Of the 29 illustrious members of the ATP No. 1 Club, five have claimed victory at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai.
October 09, 2025
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are making significant strides in Shanghai this week.
By Jerome Coombe
Since its opening in 2009, the Rolex Shanghai Masters has become a hallmark in the ATP Masters 1000 calendar.
This tournament has continuously drawn the sport’s elite talents and delivered unforgettable matchups. Notably, five out of the 29 players who have reached the pinnacle of the ATP rankings—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner—have celebrated triumphs in Shanghai.
This year, two of those champions, Medvedev and Djokovic, are advancing deep into the competition: Medvedev is set to clash with Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Friday, while Djokovic faces the surprising World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals on Saturday.
As the excitement of the 2025 tournament intensifies, ATPTour.com proudly highlights the No. 1s who have triumphed in Shanghai.
Murray’s Dominance
Murray turned Shanghai into his playground by clinching back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, returning triumphantly in 2016 for a career-defining victory.
Entering the tournament as World No. 2, he carried momentum from victories in Rome, Queen’s, Wimbledon, and Beijing. Murray dazzled throughout the tournament, dropping no sets and achieving a remarkable Shanghai hat-trick, which propelled him to a stunning 24-match winning streak, ultimately earning him the ATP Year-End No. 1 title.
Djokovic’s Defining Moment & Record-Breaking Titles
In a thrilling showdown, Djokovic thwarted Murray’s hopes for a third consecutive Shanghai title in 2012. Following semi-final appearances in 2009 and 2010, Djokovic returned to claim his first Shanghai crown after a gripping final against Murray.
The match lasted an intense three hours and 21 minutes, during which Djokovic rallied from a set and a break down, saving five championship points to secure victory. This win not only avenged his US Open final loss to Murray but also tilted their historic rivalry in Djokovic’s favor.
Djokovic defended his title in 2013 and secured two additional championships in 2015 and 2018, establishing himself as the tournament’s most successful player.
Novak Djokovic prevails over Andy Murray in the 2012 Shanghai final. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.
Federer’s Prestigious Journey
Federer’s 2014 title in Shanghai began with a dramatic escape. Facing Leonardo Mayer, the Swiss maestro saved five match points in a nerve-wracking third-set tiebreak.
That initial scare ignited Federer’s performance, leading him to overpower the remaining competition, including top seed Djokovic in the semi-finals, to claim his first Shanghai trophy.
“Winning this prestigious event means the world to me. Lifting the trophy for the first time is a remarkable feeling,” Federer remarked, returning three years later to win his second Shanghai title, marking his 27th ATP Masters 1000 crown.
Roger Federer showcased his brilliance in the 2014 Shanghai final. Photo: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images.
Medvedev’s Masterful Performance
Medvedev hinted at his capabilities in Shanghai by pushing Federer to three sets in 2018; however, it was in 2019 that he truly delivered on his potential.
Returning as World No. 4, Medvedev dominated the competition with incredible power and consistency, securing his first Shanghai title. He capped off his run by defeating two of his toughest rivals, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev, in the semi-finals and finals, respectively.
Sinner’s Triumph
Jannik Sinner emerged as the latest member of the ATP No. 1 Club to shine in Shanghai, clinching last year’s title amid a late-season surge. He faced Djokovic in the championship match, managing to drop just one set throughout the tournament.
With unparalleled execution and razor-sharp focus, Sinner overcame the Serbian with a score of 7-6(4), 6-3, breaking Djokovic’s perfect 4-0 record in Shanghai finals. This victory solidified Sinner’s status in the elite ranks, marking his seventh title of the season.
