Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025: Medvedev, De Minaur, and Auger-Aliassime Headline Friday Quarterfinal Action in Shanghai
The Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025 enters its thrilling final weekend with a blockbuster Friday lineup that promises world-class tennis, fan celebrations, and a touch of showmanship. With two singles quarterfinals and a doubles semifinal scheduled on the Stadium Court, followed by a special Roger & Friends celebrity doubles exhibition, spectators at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center are set for one of the most exciting days of the tournament.
With a prize pool of USD 9,193,538, the Shanghai Masters continues to deliver high-stakes tennis and top-tier entertainment. The remaining field features several of the ATP’s most dynamic players—including Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur, and Felix Auger-Aliassime—alongside doubles stars and returning legends ready to light up the evening session.
Doubles Semifinal Opens the Day
Play begins at 12:30 PM with a doubles semifinal featuring top seeds Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) and Mate Pavic (Croatia) against the unseeded but in-form team of Andre Goransson (Sweden) and Alex Michelsen (USA).
Arevalo and Pavic, the No. 1 seeds and one of the most consistent partnerships on the ATP Tour, have looked sharp all week, combining Pavic’s silky net touch with Arevalo’s booming serve and reliable baseline play. The pair are eyeing another Masters 1000 final appearance as they continue their quest to secure qualification for the ATP Finals later this year.
Across the net, Goransson and Michelsen have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. The Swedish-American duo have upset several seeded teams to reach the last four, showing excellent teamwork and fearless attacking play. Michelsen, just 21, has shown poise beyond his years both in singles and doubles competition this season.
This semifinal promises a clash of contrasting styles: the experience and structure of Arevalo/Pavic against the youthful aggression and improvisation of Goransson/Michelsen. A place in the championship match is at stake, and neither team will want to let the opportunity slip away.
Afternoon Singles: Rinderknech vs. Auger-Aliassime
Following the doubles battle, the first singles quarterfinal—scheduled not before 3:00 PM—features Arthur Rinderknech (France) taking on Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime [12].
Rinderknech has quietly built momentum throughout the week, relying on his heavy serve and clean forehand to dispatch higher-ranked opponents. Known for his composed on-court demeanor, the Frenchman’s all-court game and tactical awareness have made him one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw.
His opponent, Auger-Aliassime, has rediscovered his rhythm in Shanghai after a season marked by inconsistency. The 25-year-old Canadian has shown renewed confidence, striking his forehand with precision and serving with authority. Having previously reached the semifinals here, Auger-Aliassime will be eager to take another step forward toward his first Masters 1000 title.
This matchup is expected to be decided by who can control the short rallies and manage the high-pressure points. Rinderknech will aim to dictate play with his serve, while Auger-Aliassime will look to use his athleticism to extend points and break down the Frenchman’s rhythm.
Night Session: Medvedev Meets De Minaur in High-Stakes Quarterfinal
The evening session, beginning not before 6:30 PM, brings together two of the tour’s most consistent performers in a fascinating contrast of styles: Daniil Medvedev [16] versus Alex de Minaur [7].
Medvedev, the 2019 Shanghai champion, has once again shown why he remains one of the most difficult players to beat on hard courts. His unique, flat groundstrokes, tactical intelligence, and exceptional defensive skills have carried him deep into another Masters event. After a smooth run through the early rounds, the Russian is looking to reestablish dominance in one of his favorite tournaments.
De Minaur, however, has proven to be a relentless competitor capable of outworking almost anyone on tour. The Australian, fresh off several career-best results in 2025, is playing with newfound confidence and maturity. Known for his speed and counterpunching ability, De Minaur has the tools to frustrate Medvedev by forcing him into longer rallies and physical exchanges.
This quarterfinal promises a battle of endurance, patience, and mental strength. Medvedev will seek to dictate play with his deep court positioning and counterattacks, while De Minaur will look to exploit angles and push the tempo. The winner of this match will secure a coveted spot in Saturday’s semifinals—and keep hopes alive for the Shanghai title.
Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles to Close the Night
Capping off the day’s schedule, fans are in for a treat with the special “Roger & Friends Celebrity Doubles” exhibition match featuring Roger Federer and Donnie Yen taking on Wu Lei and Zheng Jie.
The event celebrates Federer’s enduring connection with Chinese fans and his history at the Shanghai Masters, where he lifted the trophy twice (2014 and 2017). The friendly exhibition blends sport and entertainment, uniting tennis and pop culture icons on the same court.
Expect plenty of lighthearted exchanges, crowd-pleasing rallies, and a celebration of the tournament’s legacy as one of the ATP Tour’s most fan-focused events.
Friday’s Blend of Competition and Celebration
Friday at the Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025 is set to deliver the perfect mix of elite competition and joyful entertainment. With Medvedev, De Minaur, and Auger-Aliassime battling for semifinal spots, and doubles heavyweights Arevalo and Pavic chasing another final appearance, every match carries major implications for the closing weekend.
And with Roger Federer’s return adding a nostalgic flair to the evening, Day 10 promises not only championship-level tennis but also a celebration of the sport’s enduring charm in one of its most iconic venues.
