The countdown is well and truly underway to the 2019 Rolex Shanghai Masters the only ATP Masters 1000 tournament outside North America and Europe.

With a total financial commitment of $US8,322,885, it is Asia’s biggest and most important men’s tennis tournament and the only men’s event in Asia to ever be named Tournament of the Year, which was achieved five consecutive years.

Defending singles champion Novak Djokovic is looking to win the title for the fifth time. He defeated Borna Coric a year ago who was playing in his first ATP Masters 1000 final. The defending doubles champions are Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo, with Melo having won the doubles title three time which is more than any other player.

“The Rolex Shanghai Masters comes around at a great time of the year in China as the national celebrates Golden Week and National Day,” Tournament Director Michael Luevano said. “This year’s championship promises to be bigger and better as we start our second decade on the tour.

“The greatest players in the game are returning and tennis fans in the region will get the opportunity to see the young guns continue to make exciting strides in world tennis. For example, the Rolex Shanghai Masters is the only tournament in Asia where Daniil Medvedev, the hottest name in the sport right now, is playing.”

The tournament has a 56 singles draw, 32 doubles draw with 28 in qualifying.

The stunning 13,800 seat QiZhong Stadium, venue for the Rolex Shanghai Masters is as unique now as the day it opened back in 2005. A glass, steel and concrete structure it stands out like something from out of space. Its roof is of eight panels that symbolise the magnolia flower, the flower of Shanghai and twists to open and close – in the open position the stadium appears to have wings.

The Player Lounge remains one of the classiest and most sophisticated on the entire tour with the dining room buffet being very special. As in previous years, the Rolex Shanghai Masters will also have a Michelin Star Chef on hand to cook for the players.

This year, in order to better meet the diverse needs of fans, the tournament has introduced a new scheduling program which will see day and night session tickets on sale for the very first time. Tickets for the center court from Monday to Friday (October 7th to October 11th) will have the day and night sessions allowing spectators a greater choice according to their personal time. The opportunity to buy all-day tickets, as before, also remains.

The 2019 singles champion will earn $US1,374,995 with the champion doubles team earning $US408,840 as well as 1,000 valuable ranking points.