We noted several changes in shoes and apparel among the pro’s at this years Shanghai Masters. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
Tommy Paul – Switches back to the New Balance CT Rally v1
Tommy Paul’s footwear choices have taken an interesting turn, as the American appears to have returned to the New Balance CT Rally V1 after spending time in the newer CT Rally V2. Earlier in the year, New Balance even gave Paul a custom colorway of the V2, making it look like the updated model was becoming his go-to shoe on tour. He wore the V2s for a few months before switching back to the older model.
Alex de Minaur – Testing a new Wilson shoe
Alex de Minaur endorses the Wilson Rush Tour 5, this shoe is designed for aggressive players who demand a combination of speed, stability, and cushioning. The shoe features a breathable Gammaweave mesh upper, EndoFit technology for a secure, supportive fit, and a carbon-fiber plate designed to enhance lateral stability and energy return. A Duralast rubber outsole provides the traction and durability needed for the demands of competitive tennis. With de Minaur’s relentless movement and exceptional court coverage, the Rush Tour 5 seems like a natural fit for his game.
He has been spotted testing a white-out shoe that could potentially be the successor of the Rush Tour 5 or an entirely different shoe. The sighting raises some interesting questions about Wilson’s future footwear lineup. White-out models are often used to conceal the design of unreleased products, making this an intriguing development for tennis shoe enthusiasts. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we will be keeping an eye on de Minaur’s footwear choices for further clues.
Zhou Yi – Censored Asics Gel Resolution X
Chinese youngster Zhou Yi enjoyed a breakthrough week at the 2026 Rolex Shanghai Masters, scoring an impressive upset over former world number 5 Lorenzo Musetti before pushing Hubert Hurkacz to three sets in the third round. While his performance on court caught plenty of attention, his footwear choice also raised some questions. Despite being a complete Wilson athlete, Zhou was spotted wearing what appeared to be the Asics Gel Resolution X, with the ASICS branding censored.
Casper Ruud and Zizou Bergs- Custom Yonex Eclipsion 5 or unreleased Eclipsion 6
Both Ruud and Bergs enjoyed strong runs at Shanghai. Ruud advanced to the fourth round, while Bergs produced one of the biggest wins of his career by defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7–5, 7–6(4), before his campaign ended against Tommy Paul.
The two players were spotted wearing what appears to be the same unfamiliar Yonex shoe, leading to speculation that it could be a custom version of the Eclipsion 5 or an early look at the upcoming Eclipsion 6, one major giveaway is the pattern of the outer material looking much different from the current retail model.
There is no official confirmation from Yonex yet, but seeing two of its tour athletes testing what looks like an identical model makes this a particularly intriguing sighting.
Rei Sakamoto – Yonex Eclipsion 4
Sticking with the Eclipsion line from Yonex, up and coming Japanese player, Rei Sakamoto, has been spotted wearing the Eclipsion 4, despite the release of the newer Eclipsion 5. The Eclipsion line is Yonex’s stability-focused tennis shoe range, designed for players who need reliable support, cushioning, and durability during intense baseline exchanges.
The Eclipsion 4 was built around these same priorities, offering a supportive fit and durable construction for aggressive court movement. While the Eclipsion 5 introduces updated cushioning and structural refinements, Sakamoto’s apparent preference for the older model is a reminder that the latest version doesn’t always become a player’s immediate choice.
Daniel Altmaier – Yonex Ad Accel
Daniel Altmaier has opted for a slightly different route when it comes to Yonex footwear, choosing the Ad Accel model instead of the more commonly seen Eclipsion. It may not be the first choice among Yonex’s sponsored athletes, but that certainly doesn’t make it a lesser shoe.
Designed for speed and explosive movement, the Ad Accel features Yonex’s Power Cushion+ technology for shock absorption and responsive rebound, along with an Accel Booster carbon-fiber plate in the midfoot to improve stability, energy return, and acceleration. The shoe also uses a Durable Skin Light upper for a supportive yet flexible fit, while its rounded outsole promotes smoother transitions during quick movements.
Quentin Halys – Wilson racquet, Lululemon apparel, Fila socks, and KSwiss Ultrashot Light
Quentin Halys plays with a Wilson racquet and wears Lululemon apparel and Fila socks, he also has an interesting choice of footwear as the Frenchman has been spotted wearing the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light on court. This mix of brands makes you wonder whether Halys has an exclusive apparel or shoe sponsorship, or simply has the freedom to choose what works best for him. The Ultrashot Light is positioned as a more accessible, lightweight alternative to the flagship Ultrashot 4, but it still borrows some design elements from its higher-end sibling.
The shoe features lightweight, breathable materials, IMEVA cushioning for a soft and responsive ride, a supportive heel counter, and a 180 Plantar Support Chassis to help stabilize the foot during lateral movements. Its DragGuard 7.0 outsole also provides traction and durability across court surfaces.
The Ultrashot Light may not offer the same level of reinforcement as the premium Ultrashot 4, but that doesn’t automatically make it a lesser choice. Its lighter construction, comfortable cushioning, and flexible feel could appeal to players who prefer a less substantial shoe without sacrificing basic support. Halys choosing what is essentially a takedown model is a good reminder that more expensive doesn’t always mean better for every player. Professional tennis footwear often comes down to personal preference, and a shoe that feels right underfoot can be more valuable than the flagship model with the longest list of technologies.
Jenson Brooksby – Dunlop racquet, Solinco strings, UomoSport apparel, and Head Print Pro 4.0 SF
Jenson Brooksby is another player sporting multiple brands. The American uses a Dunlop CX racquet, Solinco Mach-10 strings, UomoSport apparel and Head shoes. He opts for the HEAD Sprint Pro 4.0 SF, a lightweight performance shoe designed for players who value speed and quick reactions.
The Sprint Pro 4.0 SF features its SuperFabric upper which adds durability around the toe box without adding unnecessary weight, while the Sock Support System provides a snug, glove-like fit. it also has a heel stabilizer and a 3D anti-torsion system in the midfoot to provide stability during lateral movements, alongside HEAD’s TRI-NRG cushioning and Hybrasion+ outsole for shock absorption, traction, and durability. The result is a shoe that aims to keep players feeling and connected to the court without feeling overly bulky.
Nikoloz Basilashvili – KSwiss apparel, Head racquet, and Asics Court FF 3 White Out
Nikoloz Basilashvili is another example of a player mixing brands on the ATP Tour. The Georgian has been spotted wearing KSwiss apparel, a HEAD Speed racquet, and the ASICS Court FF 3 in a white-out colorway. He has previously worn older models of the Asics Gel Resolution, but the switch to the Court FF 3 provides him with stability and quick movement during intense baseline exchanges.
Bu Yunchaokete – Fila SpeedServe Energized
Bu Yunchaokete recently made a noticeable change in his kit, switching from Yonex apparel to Fila last September. He also seems to be wearing an older shoe model with, the SpeedServe Energized, which was released back in 2022.
