The Spaniard appeared on court sporting a mustache, a style choice he shared with his coaching team in the stands. Alcaraz revealed that the facial hair was the result of a lighthearted wager following his recent title success in Tokyo, his first tournament victory since February. According to the 21-year-old, the team agreed to grow mustaches if he managed to secure the trophy in Japan, and they have committed to keeping the look for the duration of the Shanghai event.
Mixed Results for Seeds and Returning Contenders
While Alcaraz cruised, other high-profile players faced more significant challenges on the Shanghai courts. Fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was pushed to the limit, requiring nearly three hours to overcome Camilo Ugo Carabelli in a grueling 4-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5 encounter. Similarly, Daniil Medvedev had to battle back from a set down to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. This match marked Medvedev's return to competition following his default in Beijing, where he was disqualified for hitting a spectator with a ball.
Elsewhere, Stefanos Tsitsipas managed to maintain his focus despite a lengthy 15-minute delay caused by glare from bright screens positioned behind the court. The Greek star eventually overcame 18th-seeded Luciano Darderi with a 6-3, 6-4 scoreline. Meanwhile, Valentin Vacherot, who made headlines with his surprise run to the title as a qualifier last year, began his defense of the crown by defeating Sebastian Baez 6-4, 7-6 (5).
