MACAU, December 28, 2025 (Media Release)
The 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters closed out its festive weekend at the Macao Forum today, treating fans to three more singles matches filled with world-class shotmaking, playful showmanship and unforgettable on-court moments.
The morning once again featured a cultural engagement activity, as Juncheng “Jerry” Shang, Yibing Wu, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Ugo Humbert ventured into the streets of Macau. Wu and Davidovich Fokina first visited the Rua da Praia do Manduco, a popular local market, to sample a famous red bean pastry, a beloved local delicacy steeped in three generations of tradition. They then picked up traditional pastries and fresh fruit before meeting up with Shang and Humbert to exchange snacks and treats at the lively Barra Kitchen in the Barra District.
Back at the stadium, the on-court schedule began as always with the crowd-rousing Captains Challenge, setting the tone with energy and friendly rivalry between Team Li Na and Team Conchita Martínez. Today’s challenge tested the players’ precision in a fast-paced target-hitting contest, as teams took turns racking up points by hitting various targets on the opposite side of the court—collecting as many points as possible within a three-minute time limit.
Team Conchita stepped up first and posted a respectable 36 points, but it was Alexandra Eala who stole the show when Team Li Na took their turn. The Filipino star thrilled the crowd by landing the “impossible” 10-point target, sparking loud cheers around the arena and powering her team to a Captains Challenge victory with 44 points. The result narrowed Team Li Na’s overall deficit to 2–6, keeping hopes of a comeback alive.
The first of three singles matches then saw Mirra Andreeva take to court for the first time this weekend, having recovered after missing yesterday’s matches due to illness. Facing Eala, the former world No. 5 brought plenty of intensity alongside the event’s fun, festive spirit—showcasing the movement, maturity and finesse that have made her one of the most exciting rising stars on the WTA Tour. Andreeva claimed a 6–4, 6–2 victory, earning the three points on offer for each of today’s matches and securing an unassailable 9–2 lead for Team Conchita.
“I felt it was important for me to play well and bring those points for the team, so I’m happy with the way I played,” said Andreeva. “I think it was a great match and we had a lot of fun. Even though it’s an exhibition and we’re enjoying it, you can still feel Alexandra’s toughness on the court. She has a great future, and I’m sure we’re going to have many matches and clashes in the future. It was a pleasure to share the court with her today.”
“Honestly, the atmosphere has been great,” added the 18-year-old. “I was so sad to miss yesterday, but our team is amazing—everyone is so supportive and we have so much fun. Usually when I play singles matches it’s very serious and I’m fully focused, but here I can be serious during the points and also enjoy myself between games. I love the vibe, and it’s very special to have my coach, Conchita, as our captain.”
The following encounter was a rematch of last month’s China National Games men’s singles final between Wu and Shang. While both players kept the crowd entertained with playful showboating, underarm serves and on-court antics, Wu once again showed why he is China’s No. 1, defeating his compatriot 6–3, 7–5.
After the match, Wu paid tribute to Shang: “I’m sure Jerry will be looking for revenge next time—but in a good way. Jerry and I love each other. We train at the same place and have known each other for many years. For me, he’s an unbelievable player and person. At such a young age he has reached goals that nobody has done before. I hope he will have a long and healthy career, because I’ll be older soon!”
“This kind of exhibition is always good for the players to get ready for the season and work on what we’ve been doing in pre-season—like my drop shot and trying different things like coming forward to volley. I think everybody is part of the fun—not only the players and captains, but also the ball kids, the officials, and the audience too—they were happy. It’s a great event at the end of the year during the holiday season, and hopefully everybody enjoyed it,” added the 26-year-old.
In the closing match of the event, France’s Humbert saved some blushes for Team Li Na as he defeated Spaniard Davidovich Fokina 6–3, 6–4, earning his team the final three points on offer and bringing the final standings to a more respectable 12–5. Played in a truly fun and wholesome spirit, the match produced plenty of smiles and laughter, as both players leaned into creative returns and tried to outdo each other’s showmanship throughout the encounter.
“I had to do it for the team because we didn’t win any matches—only the Captains’ Challenge! When I played Alejandro earlier this year, I was injured, but today I’m healthy and it was comfortable on court. I was super happy to play him—it was fun, it was a nice moment,” said Humbert
“We had a really good atmosphere in the team. I watched Li Na when I was young, so it was a great experience to meet her. It was also my first time in Macau, and I’m very happy to be here and discover this beautiful city,” added the world No. 37.
As the winning captain, Conchita Martínez shared her final thoughts on her team’s victory and the festive invitational weekend.
“I think the team did a really good job. It was nice to see them play a couple of matches before competing in Australia. It was fun to be around all the players, Captain Li Na and everyone else. It was a really good event. We had a lot of fun outside the court and inside the court as well—it was competitive but fun, which is what these kinds of events are all about,” said the former world No. 2.
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