| October 13, 2024 | by Vivienne Christie |
|
As the Rolex Shanghai Masters drew towards its sparkling conclusion, there were multiple measures of unprecedented success.
The 13th edition of Asia's only ATP Masters 1000 tournament had welcomed past and present world No.1s - both on the court and off it - along with next-generation stars showcasing brilliant tennis at Qi Zhong Stadium.
Fervent fan support added to an electrifying atmosphere, with not even mid-tournament rain impacting a new attendance record of over 228,000 people set.
Michael Luevano, the Rolex Shanghai Masters Tournament Director, couldn't have been more delighted as he considered the event's overall success.
"I don't think I could be any more pleased, after the challenges that we had mid- tournament with the rain," Mr Luevano commented ahead of an enthralling final between world No.1 Jannik Sinner and four-time champion Novak Djokovic.
"The players all seemed to be happy, obviously our seeds are playing through to the optimal level, and we could be looking at history today, which is what the Rolex Shanghai Masters has always been about … we're just going upwards and onwards."
So too is tennis generally in China, as evidenced by the four Chinese men who contested the Rolex Shanghai Masters singles main draw. Two of those local favourites progressed to the second round of the tournament, while Wu Yibing achieved a career-best performance in reaching the third round.
And with the world's top players providing inspiration, the number of young enthusiasts embracing the sport is sure to grow. Djokovic was delighted to experience passionate support from countless young fans in his first Shanghai campaign since 2019.
"I hope that I'm impacting them in a positive way, you know, that I can serve as good example, and an inspiration for them to whatever they do in life. You know, to be good people, be kind, be devoted, and strive to be the best versions of themselves, and enjoy life," said the world No.4.
"If they love tennis, of course it's even better for me, because as a tennis player I want to see more children on the tennis courts, coming out, supporting, but also playing, grabbing a racquet. So, you know, I love it. I obviously try to have a connection with people wherever I am in the world."
With the bar raised at the 2024 tournament, organisers are already considering next exciting steps. "With most successful tournaments, you know, you want to innovate, you want to deliver more," said Mr Luevano."We do have some ideas, but, like anything, you have to get the basics right. You have to make sure that the players, the stakeholders, are well looked after, and you build the loyalty with them first. The fan experience, we need to improve and always innovate."
In the meantime, Mr Luevano is delighted that as the players and fans embrace the Rolex Shanghai Masters, the city itself also shines.
"I mean, our mandate has always been to profile the city," he said. "Shanghai is an international sports destination, it is what we have worked since 1998 when we started with the humble Heineken Open at a 250 level, all the way through the tennis Masters Cups, and now onward with the Masters 1000 here at the Rolex Shanghai Masters."
|
