dpATP Shanghai opens with a mix of established names, home hopes and players looking to make their mark on one of the biggest stages of the Asian swing. Tomas Machac faces China’s Zhizhen Zhang, Holger Rune begins his campaign against Daniel Altmaier, while Quentin Halys meets Coleman Wong in a matchup with plenty of first-strike tennis.
As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
ATP Shanghai Day 1 Predictions
Tomas Machac vs Zhizhen Zhang
Head-to-Head: Machac 1-0 Zhang
There is plenty of intrigue around this one, with Zhang carrying the support of the ATP Shanghai crowd and Machac bringing a more complete all-court game. Their only previous meeting came at the 2024 Olympics, where Machac won 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. The Czech will have to deal with Zhang’s ability to generate easy power, particularly from the forehand and serve, but he is also comfortable redirecting pace and changing the direction of rallies.
Zhang has enough firepower to make this uncomfortable if he gets on top early, especially in front of a partisan crowd. Machac’s movement and ability to turn defence into offence should give him more answers over the course of the match, though. If he can keep Zhang from playing too many first-strike points, his variety should eventually tell.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Quentin Halys vs Coleman Wong
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Quentin Halys brings one of the bigger serves in this ATP Shanghai matchup and will look to keep points short, while Coleman Wong has the athleticism and baseline game to make Halys work for every opening. With no previous meeting to provide a blueprint, both players will have to adjust quickly.
Wong’s ability to extend rallies could be important, but Halys will be difficult to contain if he is consistently landing his first serve. The Frenchman’s power gives him a clear route to control the match, while Wong will need to make the return game count and avoid giving away cheap points. On these courts, Halys’ serve and first ball should prove decisive.
Prediction: Halys in 2
Holger Rune vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-Head: Rune 1-0 Altmaier
Holger Rune enters ATP Shanghai with a tricky opening assignment against Daniel Altmaier, a player who rarely makes life comfortable from the baseline. Their only previous meeting came at the 2021 Biella Challenger, where Rune won a tight three-setter. This is a very different stage now, but the matchup remains intriguing.
Altmaier’s heavy groundstrokes and willingness to engage in long rallies could test Rune’s patience. The Dane, however, has more ways to change the shape of a point, particularly when he can step inside the baseline and take the ball early. If Rune serves well enough to avoid constantly defending, his ability to dictate should give him the edge.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK
