Te Rigele beat Adam Walton 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters semifinal. The Chinese player was forced to regroup after losing the opening set, but grew into the match as it progressed and sealed victory in the third. For Walton, a hard-fought contest on the outdoor hard court ended in defeat.
Walton Takes the First Set
Adam Walton made the stronger start and claimed the opening set 7-5. The Australian, who entered the match seeded seventh, held his nerve in the key moments. Te Rigele remained competitive in the rallies but was unable to prevent the set slipping away.
The numbers reflected just how tight the opener was. Walton landed 64 percent of his first serves and won 73 percent of points behind them. Te Rigele struck twelve aces but had yet to find the consistency needed to turn the set around.
Te Rigele Steps Up the Pressure
The picture changed after the set break. Te Rigele played more purposefully from the baseline and got on top of Adam Walton earlier with his returns. The Chinese player won the second set 6-3 to force a deciding set.
Te Rigele became the more reliable presence on first serve in particular. Across the match as a whole he won 80 percent of points on his first serve, giving his opponent fewer free opportunities. Walton was still able to make his mark with his net approaches, but Te Rigele kept the rallies going longer, waiting patiently for his chance to attack.
The Deciding Set
The third set remained competitive, but Te Rigele took it 6-4. The Chinese player made better use of the critical moments and kept his composure under pressure. Walton continued to push forward, while Te Rigele countered with his baseline game and precise shot-making.
The match statistics reflected Te Rigele's slight overall superiority. He won 52 percent of total points and 55 percent of games. He also struck 38 winners to Walton's 22, figures that help explain how Te Rigele was able to take control of the match after falling behind in the first set.
Te Rigele Advances
Te Rigele received a qualifying wildcard for the 2026 Shanghai Masters and has now used that opportunity to make a significant run in the draw. The Hohhot-born Chinese player, a right-hander with a two-handed backhand, was at his most dangerous when rallies extended over multiple shots against Walton.
For Adam Walton, the opening set proved scant consolation. The Australian, coached by Mark Draper, had leaned on his serve and his net game, but was unable to put a lasting brake on Te Rigele's improvement after dropping the first set. Te Rigele advances to the final after winning 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
