What Is 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 was a premier men's tennis tournament held from October 11 to October 18, 2009, in Shanghai, China. Nikolay Davydenko won the singles title, defeating Marin Čilić in the final with a score of 6–3, 6–4.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: October 11–18, 2009
Location: Qi Zhong Tennis Center, Shanghai, China
Singles champion: Nikolay Davydenko
Final score: Davydenko d. Čilić 6–3, 6–4
First edition of the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 after relocating from Madrid

Overview

The 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 marked the inaugural edition of the tournament at the Masters 1000 level in Shanghai, China. It replaced the Madrid Masters in the ATP schedule and became a key fixture in the fall Asian swing of the tennis calendar.

Hosted at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, the event featured a 56-player singles draw and 24-team doubles draw on outdoor hard courts. The tournament attracted top players from around the world, including Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Juan Martín del Potro.

First occurrence: This was the first year Shanghai hosted the ATP Masters 1000, taking over from Madrid which moved to indoor clay. The shift restructured the ATP calendar significantly.
Champion performance: Nikolay Davydenko won his first and only Masters 1000 title, defeating Marin Čilić in straight sets, 6–3, 6–4, in the final on October 18.
Prize money: The total prize purse was $3,775,000, with Davydenko earning $500,000 for his championship victory.
Surface and format: Matches were played on DecoTurf hard courts, a surface similar to the US Open, favoring aggressive baseline play and fast transitions.
Attendance: Over 150,000 fans attended the week-long event, reflecting growing tennis popularity in Asia and strong local support.

How It Works

The ATP Masters 1000 series consists of nine prestigious tournaments globally, and the 2009 Shanghai edition followed the standard format with seeding, round-robin progression, and direct elimination after the third round.

Draw Size: The singles draw included 56 players, with 8 seeds receiving first-round byes. This format balanced competitiveness with scheduling efficiency.
Qualifying Rounds:16 players competed in qualifying for four main draw spots, held just before the main event began on October 11.
Points System: The winner earned 1,000 ATP ranking points, crucial for year-end rankings and qualification for the ATP Finals.
Player Participation: All top 10 players were eligible, though Roger Federer withdrew due to fatigue, impacting seeding dynamics.
Match Format: Best-of-three sets for all rounds, with a 12-point tiebreak at 6–6 in the final set, standard for ATP outdoor hard courts.
Doubles Competition: The doubles title was won by Leander Paes and Martin Damm, who defeated Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles in three sets.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 with other key Masters 1000 events from the same year:

Tournament	Location	Dates	Surface	Winner
Shanghai	Shanghai, China	Oct 11–18	Hard	Nikolay Davydenko
Indian Wells	California, USA	Mar 11–22	Hard	Andy Murray
Miami	Florida, USA	Mar 23–Apr 5	Hard	Andy Murray
Madrid	Madrid, Spain	Oct 12–18	Indoor Clay	Roger Federer
Paris	Paris, France	Nov 1–8	Indoor Hard	Novak Djokovic

This comparison highlights how the 2009 Shanghai event filled a new niche in the ATP calendar. Unlike Madrid’s indoor clay, Shanghai’s outdoor hard courts offered a different tactical challenge. Its October timing made it a critical tune-up for the ATP Finals. The tournament also distinguished itself with strong attendance and a modern venue, setting a benchmark for future Asian events.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 was a pivotal moment in the globalization of professional tennis, expanding the sport’s reach into Asia and establishing China as a major player in the ATP Tour.

Global Expansion: The move to Shanghai signaled the ATP’s strategic focus on growing tennis in Asia, where fan interest and commercial potential were rising rapidly.
Economic Impact: The tournament generated an estimated $25 million in local economic activity, boosting tourism, hospitality, and media exposure.
Player Development: It inspired a new generation of Chinese players, with increased investment in local tennis academies and youth programs.
Media Rights: Broadcast in over 120 countries, the event increased global visibility for Asian-hosted tournaments and attracted major sponsors.
Calendar Stability: The relocation provided a consistent fall hard-court series, improving player preparation for the ATP Finals in London.
Legacy: The success of the 2009 edition ensured Shanghai retained the Masters 1000 status, hosting annually through at least 2030 under ATP agreements.

Overall, the 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 was more than just a tennis tournament—it was a landmark event that reshaped the ATP Tour’s global footprint and demonstrated the sport’s growing international appeal.