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Shanghai Masters Was a Mirror Held up to China

Between the brand activations and choreographed energy, it felt like modern China itself: futuristic and polished; still striving to assert its place on the world stage.

By Alyx Ke

9:32 AM EDT on October 16, 2025

Last week, I attended my first Chinese tennis event: the Rolex Shanghai Masters. It was a sensory journey, combining excitement, awe, and quiet confusion. It felt like modern China itself: futuristic and polished, yet still striving to assert its place on the world stage.