Tennis | ATP Shanghai 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz aims to continue successful Asian swing form against local hero Shang
10/04/2024 11:25 AM
By Tony Fairbairn
- Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Juncheng Shang
- Holger Rune [12] v Matteo Berrettini
- Andrey Rublev [6] v Jakub Mensik
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Carlos Alcaraz will aim to continue his successful form in Asia when he takes on local hero Juncheng Shang in the second round of the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season.
Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Juncheng Shang H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Juncheng Shang | H2H: Alcaraz leads 1-0 |
| ATP Shanghai 2024 | Shanghai, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $34,500 |
| First on Stadium Court (05:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV<- Subscription Required |
Carlos Alcaraz's incredible season has continued into Asia as the Spaniard claimed the title in Beijing. To make the week even sweeter, Alcaraz defeated his nearest rival Jannik Sinner in the final to claim the title with the Spaniard dominating the head-to-head with the Italian this season. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion is hoping to continue the momentum ahead of a packed end to the season as the third seed's accolades continue to get bigger with each passing week with Alcaraz targeting the world number one spot in his future.
A tough start awaits for Alcaraz as he takes on Chinese rising talent Juncheng Shang who has had an incredible season so far. The 19 year-old started the season at 183 in the world but is on the cusp of the world's top 50 after semi-final run in Atlanta and Hong Kong which was followed up by claiming his maiden ATP title on home soil in Chengdu. Shang has an explosive game full of power and variety as he now aims to cause the biggest win of his career so far and continue his remarkable run of form.
Alcaraz will continue to dictate play on serve with the Spaniard aiming to use the forehand to force Shang behind the baseline before finishing the rallies with dropshots. Meanwhile Shang will use the backhand to get Alcaraz moving as he will aim to finish the rallies as efficiently as possible. This should be a tight match but Alcaraz's quality should see him secure a place in the third round.
Prediction: Alcaraz in three sets.
Holger Rune [12] v Matteo Berrettini H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Holger Rune [12] v Matteo Berrettini | H2H: Rune leads 2-1 |
| ATP Shanghai 2024 | Shanghai, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $34,500 |
| Third on Grandstand Two (08:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV<- Subscription Required |
It's been an inconsistent season for Holger Rune as the Dane has struggled for consistent form and fitness. However significant semi-finals in Cincinnati and Tokyo gives the Dane hope that his best tennis can elevate his game to new heights. It's all about gaining momentum for Rune as he looks to break new ground next season and prove why he can challenge tennis' elite at Grand Slam events.
A big test awaits Rune in Shanghai as he takes on former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini. The Italian has had a mixed season but has done well since his injury to climb up the rankings to 44 in the world. A big forehand and serve puts him in a good position to cause some major damage on these faster Asian courts and Berrettini will once again look to make a deep run at a Masters 1000 event.
Rune will aim to be consistent on the forehand side as he looks to create depth and angles in order to exploit Berrettini's movement. The Italian will use the backhand to stay in the rally as he will be patient in order to wait for the perfect time to unload on the forehand side. This will be a good match although it's never easy to predict which version of each player will show up. Rune should have enough tools to come through a tight and tense encounter.
Prediction: Rune in three sets.
Andrey Rublev [6] v Jakub Mensik H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Andrey Rublev [6] v Jakub Mensik | H2H: Mensik leads 1-0 |
| ATP Shanghai 2024 | Shanghai, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $34,500 |
| First on Show Court Three (05:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV<- Subscription Required |
Another rollercoaster season for Andrey Rublev who still hasn't managed that consistent balance between passion and aggression in his bid to be a big champion in tennis. However by the seems of it, Rublev wouldn't want it any other way as he has still managed to maintain his spot inside the world's top ten rankings which is hard to do in tennis. Now Rublev will look to finish the season strong as he has a place in the ATP Finals in his sights.
A tough match awaits Rublev in the form of Czech Republican rising talent Jakub Mensik. Mensik has had a breakthrough year having started the year at 167 in the world but has climbed up 100 places by playing attacking and aggressive tennis. The big week of Mensik came in Doha in February where he beat Rublev on his way to the final and the 19 year-old has continue to go from strength to strength since then. The Czech Republican will look to end his big year in style and finish the season strongly.
Rublev will look to be consistent from the baseline as he aims to use the forehand to dominate the tempo of the rallies. Meanwhile Mensik will use the serve to test Rublev's returning ability as he will hope to frustrate Rublev as much as possible by extending the rallies. This will be an exciting match and there is no reason to suggest why Mensik can't catch Rublev cold again in China and produce another big result.
Prediction: Mensik in three sets.
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