History of Shanghai Masters (tennis) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 3, 2025

The Shanghai Masters is an annual ATP Tour Masters 1000 men's tennis tournament held in Shanghai, China, typically in October. Played on outdoor hard courts at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, it is unique as the only Masters 1000 event held outside of Europe and North America. The tournament faced a hiatus from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions in China.

1996: Inaugural Shanghai Open

In 1996, the inaugural Shanghai Open, a professional tournament, was held for the first time in Shanghai. Andrei Olhovskiy of Russia won against Mark Knowles of the Bahamas.

2002: Tennis Masters Cup held in Shanghai

In 2002, the Tennis Masters Cup was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

2003: ATP International Series tournament of Shanghai

In 2003, the ATP International Series tournament of Shanghai was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

2004: Venue Construction

In 2004, construction began on the venue to host the Tennis Masters Cup after the ATP awarded the tournament to Shanghai.

2004: ATP International Series tournament of Shanghai

In 2004, the ATP International Series tournament of Shanghai was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

2005: ATP awards Shanghai right to hold tournament

In 2005, after the success of the 2002 Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP awarded Shanghai the right to hold the tournament from 2005 to 2007.

2005: Venue Construction Completion

In 2005, construction was completed on the venue built to host the Tennis Masters Cup after the ATP awarded the tournament to Shanghai for a three-year contract.

2005: Venue change to outdoor conditions

In 2005, the Shanghai Masters matches were moved to outdoor conditions at the Qizhong Arena, after previously being held indoors for the Tennis Masters Cup.

2005: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena hosts the year-end championships

Starting in 2005, the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena was built to host the year-end championships.

2006: ATP extends three-year deal to a fourth year

In 2006, the ATP extended the three-year deal to a fourth year, allowing the Tennis Masters Cup to increase its success in Shanghai.

March 2007: ATP announces rebranding and Shanghai hosting

In March 2007, the ATP announced that their 2009 rebranding would use the Qizhong facility and the Shanghai Tennis Masters Cup organisation to host an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in the city.

2007: Roger Federer wins

In 2007, Swiss World No. 1 Roger Federer won the Tennis Masters Cup final held at the Qizhong venue.

2007: ATP awards Shanghai right to hold tournament

In 2007, the ATP awarded Shanghai the right to hold the tournament from 2005 to 2007.

2007: Contract extension

In 2007, the ATP extended the Shanghai contract to a fourth year.

November 13, 2008: Event presentation

On November 13, 2008, during the season's Tennis Masters Cup tournament, the event was formally presented in a press conference, where the choice of the draw sizes, of the surface, and the building of additional courts were announced. Rolex was also revealed as the official sponsor of the event.

2008: Beijing's National Tennis Stadium built

In 2008, Beijing's National Tennis Stadium was built for the Summer Olympics.

2008: Novak Djokovic takes the title

In 2008, Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the Tennis Masters Cup title at the Qizhong venue.

2008: Venue change to outdoor conditions

Up to 2008, the Shanghai Masters matches were held in outdoor conditions at the Qizhong Arena, after previously being held indoors for the Tennis Masters Cup.

May 5, 2009: Official launch of the event

On May 5, 2009, the Shanghai Rolex Masters was officially launched, expecting nearly 150,000 spectators during the tournament.

August 2009: Venue Expansion

In August 2009, in preparation for the first edition of the Shanghai Masters, the venue was expanded with the construction of several new stadiums and courts.

2009: ATP Rebranding

In 2009, the ATP rebranding would also be the occasion to use the Qizhong facility and the Shanghai Tennis Masters Cup organisation to host an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in the city.