Shanghai draw separates Alcaraz from Zverev and Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz will begin the Shanghai Masters against Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier after the draw announced on October 5. Top seed Alexander Zverev and four-time champion Novak Djokovic were placed in the other half.

Second seed Alcaraz could face defending champion Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul in the fourth round. Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz are potential quarterfinal opponents, according to the ATP’s draw report.

Zverev’s opening opponent will be Chinese wild card Wu Yibing or a qualifier. Djokovic faces either Hubert Hurkacz or James Duckworth, with a possible meeting against Lorenzo Musetti in the third round.

Third seed Ben Shelton begins against Holger Rune or Daniel Altmaier. Shelton and Frances Tiafoe could meet again after their U.S. Open semifinal, but that encounter depends on both progressing through their earlier matches.

The tournament is scheduled for October 7–18. The ATP report listed several players still pursuing qualification for the season-ending Finals, making Shanghai an important points opportunity. The projected later-round pairings are possibilities from the draw, not confirmed matches.