American star Tommy Paul has made an important decision ahead of the Shanghai Masters.
The world number 15 has suffered multiple serious injuries during 2025, affecting his ability to play consistently on the ATP Tour.
Paul’s French Open campaign was severely hampered by an abdominal strain, and he later ruptured a tendon in his foot during his second-round match against Sebastian Ofner at Wimbledon.
It seemed Paul’s injury issues were behind him after reaching the third round at the US Open. However, he suffered another injury setback against Alexander Bublik.
Paul has since made a significant decision regarding his schedule, three weeks on from his contest against Bublik.
Tommy Paul withdraws from the Shanghai Masters
Tommy Paul has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters, which is set to begin on October 1.
As a result, 28-year-old Paul will lose ATP points upon the Shanghai Masters’ completion.
The American reached the round of 16 at the 2024 tournament, meaning he will lose 100 ATP points after this year’s event.
Paul is the second man to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday, following Arthur Fils’ drop-out.
At last year’s tournament, Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in the final, winning 7-6, 6-3.
On Tuesday, the Shanghai Masters confirmed that Djokovic will compete at the 2025 tournament. Djokovic’s participation marks his first non-Grand Slam event since the Geneva Open in May: a tournament he won.
Tommy Paul was due to play in the Laver Cup
Paul was also expected to compete for Team World at the Laver Cup.
However, the 28-year-old also withdrew from that event, around a similar time as Ben Shelton. The pair were replaced by fellow American stars Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen.
The absence of Paul and Shelton did not prevent Team World from achieving glory, with Taylor Fritz clinching a third title for the team in red on the final day.
Paul was part of the Team World squad that won their second Laver Cup title in 2023.
