Djokovic, Alcaraz praise fans at Shanghai Masters

Returning to Shanghai after a two-year absence, seven-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz received a warm welcome from fans during a practice session on Oct 8 and said he was delighted to see them again.

"The fans are super passionate about, I would say, any sport, which I think is great for the community. I just love every time that I come here, because I think they appreciate good tennis," he said.

Alcaraz's 2026 season has been disrupted by injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard suffered a right wrist injury in April that sidelined him for about five months, forcing him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and other tournaments.

However, he defended his Japan Open title in Tokyo and is now ready to compete in Shanghai.

"I'm feeling fresh mentally, which for me is the most important thing. I'm ready to take on the challenge of this tournament. If we see a couple years back, probably this swing or this part of the season, it's never been my best one. So, right now I just want to be in a good state for this tournament," he said, adding that he hoped to win in Shanghai and at other tournaments later in the season.

Alcaraz will play Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his opening match on Oct 10, while Djokovic will begin his campaign against Hubert Hurkacz on Oct 9.

Li Junfeng contributed to this story.