The next significant ATP Tour event is right around the corner, with the Shanghai Masters set to begin on October 1.
The tournament will run for 11 days until October 12, and is set to feature some of the ATP Tour’s best players, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner is the defending champion in Shanghai, having defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 in last year’s final.
Both Sinner and Djokovic will have to contend with another Grand Slam champion at this year’s event, following an announcement on Wednesday.
This former champion, who is no stranger to causing a shock on the ATP Tour, is in the twilight of his career.
Stan Wawrinka has been given a wildcard spot for the Shanghai Masters
Three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka has been handed a wildcard place for the Shanghai Masters.
In a video posted on the Shanghai Masters’ X [Twitter] page, Wawrinka said: “Hi everybody, I’m so happy to announce that I am receiving a wildcard to play the Shanghai Open.
“I’m really grateful to have the opportunity again to play in China.
“Thanks so much to the tournament, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.”
For all his success, Stan Wawrinka has struggled to make an impact at the Shanghai Open previously: the Swiss legend has never made it to the final of the competition.
At the 2024 tournament, Wawrinka defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, 7-6, 7-6. He then lost to Italian youngster Flavio Cobolli, who won 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.
Wawrinka, ranked 129 in the world, is one of the oldest players competing professionally; the Swiss star turns 41 in March 2026.
Who are the other wildcards?
A number of Chinese stars have been granted wildcard spots for the Shanghai Masters, the tournament confirmed on Wednesday.
Shang Juncheng, 2024 Chengdu Open champion, has been granted a spot.
Olympic silver medallist Zhang Zhizhen joins Juncheng, as does Yi Zhou – who recently upset Cameron Norrie at the Chengdu Open.
Rounding out the list is Wu Yibing, who recently stunned former world number one Daniil Medvedev at the Hangzhou Open.
