The 2011 Shanghai Rolex Masters kicks off on the 10th October with Andy Murray looking to defend his title.
Andy Murray enjoyed one of the finest weeks of his career in Shanghai last year as he swept past Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 in the final to claim his sixth Masters 1000 title. Murray has cemented his place as world number four in 2011, reaching the semis of all four Grand Slams and he's hoping to overtake Federer and finish the season ranked world number three.
Murray's in fine form at the moment, picking up the Thailand Open title and as one of the most adept players on the indoor circuit, he's the man to beat in Shanghai.
Rafael Nadal will be top seed in the likely absence of Novak Djokovic through injury. The Spaniard reached the final in 2009, losing to Nikolay Davydenko but he often struggles to produce his best during the indoor season as the effects of a long season start to catch up with him. Last year he made a shock third round exit to Jurgen Melzer.
Watch out for Mardy Fish who's had the best season of his career and the big serving American will love the fast paced indoor surface in Shanghai. The same will go for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who's made an impressive start to the indoor swing, picking up the Metz title a few weeks ago.
Look out for Janko Tipsarevic and Gael Monfils too. Both men have a lot of catching up to do in the ATP Race but Monfils is always a strong finisher to the season and Tipsarevic is eyeing a place in the top ten by the end of the year.
