The final four matches of the Rolex Shanghai Masters Round of 16 are officially in the books, completing the quarterfinal lineup. The day was highlighted by Spanish sensation Rafael Jodar continuing to rewrite tennis history, alongside solid, straight-set victories from Daniil Medvedev and Tommy Paul.
Jodar’s Third Comeback Sinks Van de Zandschulp as He Chases Becker
The most captivating match of the day featured Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar and the Netherlands’ Botic Van de Zandschulp. The young Spaniard triumphed 2-1 (6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2), pulling off his third consecutive comeback victory at this tournament.
In the opening set, Jodar threatened first with two break points in the eighth game but failed to convert. The set went to a tie-break, where the Dutchman capitalized to win 7-4. Jodar opened the second set with an early break to take a 2-0 lead. Van de Zandschulp broke back in the sixth game, but Jodar immediately broke again in the seventh, calmly serving out the set 6-4. The deciding set was a mirror image of the second—Jodar broke early, but this time he held his advantage firmly. He secured another break in the seventh game and confidently served out the match 6-2.
A Historic Milestone in Sight:
By reaching the quarterfinals, Jodar is on the verge of breaking Boris Becker’s legendary record from 1985. Becker famously took 210 days from entering the world elite to reaching the Top 10. If Jodar wins the Shanghai title by Monday, October 19, 2026, he will achieve Top 10 status exactly 203 days after first breaking into the Top 100, surpassing the German’s historic mark. Jodar’s current career-high ranking is No. 11 (achieved on August 10, 2026). His next hurdle in this historic pursuit is Casper Ruud.
Medvedev Solid, Paul Stops Bergs, Auger-Aliassime Retires
The remaining matches saw the favorites assert their dominance. Russian star Daniil Medvedev delivered a very solid performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas, winning 2-0 (6-4, 7-5). Tsitsipas, who eliminated Fritz yesterday, could not replicate that level of tennis against the dialled-in Russian.
American Tommy Paul halted the incredible run of Zizou Bergs, the sensational conqueror of Carlos Alcaraz. Paul won in straight sets, 7-6(7), 6-4, demonstrating exceptional mental toughness during the crucial moments of the first-set tie-break.
The final quarterfinal ticket went to Norway’s Casper Ruud, who spent very little time on the court. Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire due to injury while trailing 5-2 in the first set.
📊 Results Table: Round of 16 (Final 4 Matches)
| Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Rafael Jodar (ESP) | Botic Van De Zandschulp (NED) | 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 |
| Tommy Paul (USA) | Zizou Bergs (BEL) | 7-6(7), 6-4 |
| Daniil Medvedev (RUS) | Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) | 6-4, 7-5 |
| Casper Ruud (NOR) | Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) | 5-2 (Retired) |
📅 Match Schedule: Quarterfinals
The stage is set for spectacular quarterfinal clashes over the next two days:
Thursday, October 15:
- 08:30 Gea A. (FRA) – Davidovich Fokina A. (ESP)
- 12:00 Zverev A. (GER) – De Minaur A. (AUS)
Friday, October 16:
- 04:00 Jodar R. (ESP) – Ruud C. (NOR)
- 04:00 Medvedev D. (RUS) – Paul T. (USA)
👉 For full draw details, seeds, and prize money information, visit our main hub article: Rolex Shanghai Masters 2026: News, Draw & Results.
