First-round competition in Shanghai continues on Thursday, highlighted by a showdown between Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Stan Wawrinka. China’s own Zhizhen Zhang features against Zizou Bergs.
(WC) Stan Wawrinka vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Wawrinka is making what is presumably his final appearance at the Rolex Shanghai Masters in 2024. It has never been a particularly good tournament for the 39-year-old Swiss, whose best performance is a quarterfinal (2013, 2015). He has lost in the opening round of his last two appearances and is 1-4 in his last five matches overall at this 1000-point event. Wawrinka heads into Shanghai this time around toward the end of what has been a rough season. The world No. 236 is 5-13 on the main tour and has won just a single match since Wimbledon.
Up first for Wawrinka on Thursday is Mpetshi Perricard, whom the three-time major champion has never faced. Mpetshi Perricard is obviously at the other end of the career spectrum at just 21 years old. The Frenchman has earned 10 of his 12 lifetime ATP-level match wins in 2024, including four en route to the Lyon title and three on his way to the second week at Wimbledon. Mpetshi Perricard is 1-6 in his last seven matches and seems to be wearing down at the end of his first full year on tour, so Wawrinka actually has a chance in this one. Still, on a quick surface the youngster will likely have too much firepower for an opponent who is way past his prime.
Pick: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Zhizhen Zhang vs. Zizou Bergs
It has been an incredible Asian swing so far for the host nation. Zhang finished runner-up in Hangzhou, Jerry Shang captured the Chengdu title, and Bu Yunchaokete made a surprising semifinal run in Beijing. Now all three of those guys find themselves in Shanghai, where Shang won on Wednesday and Zhang looks to join his compatriot in round two. The world No. 45, who is an even 25-25 this year, is coming off a first-round loss in Beijing at the hands of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (6-3, 4-6, 6-3). On the bright side for Zhang, that means he got some rest following his exploits in Hangzhou.
Thursday will mark the third meeting between Zhang and Bergs, who have split their two previous encounters. The Chinese veteran prevailed 6-2, 6-4 in 2022 U.S. Open qualifying before Bergs got the job done 6-3, 7-5 on the green clay of the 2023 Tallahassee Challenger. Bergs is playing the best tennis of his life right now and is up to No. 73 in the rankings (he peaked at 72nd earlier this month). Recent results include a third-round showing in Winston Salem, a second-round effort at the U.S. Open, two Davis Cup victories for Belgium, and successful qualification in Beijing (lost to Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 4-6, 6-3). A slight edge goes to Bergs, in part because Zhang has lost his opening match at the Shanghai Masters six times in seven appearances.
Pick: Bergs in 3
