Jun 6, 2025; Paris, FR; Novak Djokovic of Serbia says goodbye to the spectators and the clay after losing his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.

tennis

ATP Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025 Semifinal Schedule – Who Will Reach the Grand Final in China?

Can the newcomer cousins upset the veterans?

Jun 6, 2025; Paris, FR; Novak Djokovic of Serbia says goodbye to the spectators and the clay after losing his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.

After an entertaining 10-day festival of tennis action, the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters has reached its semifinal stage. The 14th edition of the men’s Masters-1000 event has been full of powerhouse victories, shocking losses and breakout stories. Four-time champion Novak Djokovic remains on course for another title charge, but his path to the grand trophy is obstacle-ridden. Some of the young guns of the next generation will bid to outlast the 38-year-old under the challenging conditions in Shanghai.

The semifinals of the Shanghai Masters 2025 will be played on Saturday, 11 October. Here’s what we have in store:

Novak Djokovic (4) vs. Valentin Vacherot (Q)

For the first time in their careers, Novak Djokovic and Valentin Vacherot will clash on the ATP Tour. The Monegasque sensation has been the talk of the town this week – coming through the qualifiers and completing five comeback wins along the way. However, he will need to level up against a physical and mental beast like the Djoker. The 38-year-old Serb has been in phenomenal touch in Shanghai, and his 35-10 record in 2025 speaks volumes about his longevity.

Valentin Vacherot after beating Rune to reach Shanghai SF

"I didn't even come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I read that if I won I'd be in top 100. This is just unbelievable. I can’t wait for Thursday. I don't even know which day we’re in” 😂

pic.twitter.com/zo6MQYbwCs
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 9, 2025

When it comes to this tournament, Djokovic has won titles in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018. He holds the record for being the most successful player in Shanghai, and defeated the likes of Marin Cilic and Zizou Bergs to reach this stage. Vacherot, on the other hand, currently ranks No. 204 in the world. The 26-year-old is the first player from Monaco to reach a tour-level semifinal, and is set to make his Top-100 debut on Monday.

When: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Where: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena
Court: Stadium Court
Timing: Not Before 04:30 PM Local (09:30 AM UK)

Daniil Medvedev (16) vs. Arthur Rinderknech

50 ATP hard court Semi-Finals 🤩

Daniil Medvedev defeats Alex de Minaur 6-4 6-4 to reach this significant milestone in his career 🤝#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/DOnlyAAUw3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 10, 2025

Former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev has entered the Shanghai Masters semifinals for the first time since winning the title in 2019. The Russian will take on unseeded Arthur Rinderknech in a battle of the big servers. The 30-year-old Frenchman is currently ranked No. 54 in the world, and will be playing his maiden Masters-1000 semifinal in Shanghai. His cousin brother Valentin Vacherot is also in the semis, meaning that a dream final between family members is on the cards.

Rinderknech defeated World No. 13 Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last eight – completing his third consecutive Top-20 win (after wins over Zverev and Lehecka) in the process. However, Medvedev has a 1-0 record in the head-to-head vs his opponent. The 29-year-old former US Open winner overcame Rinderknech at Flushing Meadows in 2022. Having already defeated the likes of Learner Tien and Alex de Minaur en route to the semis, Medvedev will start as the firm favorite.

When: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Where: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena
Court: Stadium Court
Timing: Not Before 07:00 PM Local (12 Noon UK)

(Image Credits: Susan Mullane, Imagn Images)

Arthur Rinderknech

ATP

Daniil Medvedev

Novak Djokovic

Shanghai Masters 2025

Tennis

Valentin Vacherot

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.