Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Jodar advanced to the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday, October 16, 2026. Medvedev overcame a second-set wobble to defeat Tommy Paul 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, while 20-year-old Jodar fought back from a set down to eliminate Casper Ruud 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Medvedev Weathers Paul’s Second-Set Surge in Shanghai Quarter-Finals
Daniil Medvedev punched his ticket to the semi-finals at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena after a demanding three-set battle against American Tommy Paul on Friday, October 16, 2026. The 30-year-old Russian, seeded fifth for the tournament, secured a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory in two hours and nine minutes to reach the last four in Shanghai for the third time in his career.
But the momentum shifted dramatically in the second set.
Jodar d. Botic van de Zandschulp 6-7 6-4 6-2Rafa is into his first Shanghai Masters quarterfinalHe's come back from a set down in all of his matches this week✅4th Masters QF of 2026✅8th QF of 2026No. 11 in the race.. absolutely incredible.🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/FmOZIXneQO
I think today I was a tiny bit off. I managed to regroup. If I’m playing well, I’m tough to beat.
Medvedev regrouped decisively in the decider, breaking Paul early to build a 2-0 lead and firing 16 aces overall to seal the win on his second match point while Paul committed 37 unforced errors. According to OptaAce data cited by Sporty, Medvedev reached his 19th career ATP Masters 1000 semi-final after losing his opening set at the event for just the second time in his career, echoing his path to the 2021 Toronto title.
.@DaniilMedwed marches into the final four 🔥The moment the 2019 champion reached his third Shanghai semi-final.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/rjn7ZaXzDD
Rafael Jodar Makes History Against Casper Ruud
In the bottom half of the draw, 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar carved his name into the tournament record books. By defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, Jodar became the youngest player to reach the Shanghai semi-finals since the event’s inaugural edition in 2009.
Ruud initially controlled the tempo with a searing forehand into the corner to claim the opening set. Though Ruud, ranked 24th, saved three match points in the third set, a late double fault handed the young Spaniard the victory.
Casper is a very tough player. I had to give my best level today to win this match.
Rafael Jodar, via AFP
The win followed days of scrutiny after Jodar received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct earlier in the week following an outburst toward a ball kid during his round of 16 match. Addressing reporters on Friday, the Spaniard expressed regret for his behavior. After the match I thought about it, and I shouldn’t have acted that way with the ball kid. That was my mistake, he said, adding that he is still learning how to manage his emotions on court.
Generational Clash Awaits in Saturday’s Semi-Finals
Saturday’s semi-finals at the Rolex Shanghai Masters set up contrasting narratives across the two matches. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina advanced to face top seed Alexander Zverev.
Put it in the book 📚@DaniilMedwed defeats Paul 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to reach his 70th career tour-level semi-final and the Shanghai final four.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/jV2GKtyxql
Meanwhile, the fixture between Medvedev and Jodar marks a clash between the veteran and the rising newcomer. Medvedev carries an 11-1 record in China over the past month, including a title at the Hangzhou Open and a semi-final run in Beijing, while Jodar enters his fifth tour-level semi-final of his debut season.
