Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts It’s your girl Mia Johnson-Carter here, living the dream in Miami. I’m super excited to share some awesome news with you all about the upcoming matches at the Chengdu Open 2024. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for thrilling tennis action, and this tournament promises to deliver!
Let’s dive into the exciting matchups that have everyone buzzing.
Jerry Shang vs. Kei Nishikori
One of the most anticipated matches in the opening round pits China’s rising star Jerry Shang against Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori. This will be their second encounter on the court, with their previous match happening last summer on the hard courts of Atlanta. Nishikori took the win 6-4, 7-6(3) back then, but Shang has been on a roll ever since. At just 19 years old, Shang is already ranked 67th in the world and has earned 19 of his 23 career main-tour match victories in 2024. His hard-court summer included a semifinal showing in Atlanta and a third-round performance at the U.S. Open (lost to Casper Ruud in five sets). Despite occasional injuries, Nishikori still packs a punch and recently reached the quarterfinals of the Montreal Masters this month. However, Shang is in fine form and is by far the more reliable player from a physical standpoint.
Pick: Shang in 2
Roman Safiullin vs. Fabio Fognini
Another intriguing matchup in the first round is between Roman Safiullin and Fabio Fognini. Like Nishikori, Fognini is seemingly in the twilight of his career, but he’s still going strong at 37 years old. He’s ranked No. 79 in the world and has had some solid performances this year, including advancing to the Wimbledon third round. However, his recent loss to Tomas Machac in the U.S. Open first round might be a concern. Safiullin, on the other hand, is a Russian player ranked 56th and has been giving it his all every time he takes the court. He’s had a mixed season but has won at least one match at four of his last five events.
Pick: Safiullin in 2
These matchups are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament. If you’re as excited as I am about these matches, you’ll want to keep an eye on them. The search for “women in tennis” has been on the rise, with many fans celebrating the achievements of female athletes. Initiatives like Tennis Australia’s Pacific Women and Girls in Tennis – Emerging Leaders workshop are crucial for fostering a more inclusive and supportive community within the sport.
If you want, you can check out the news where I found it here.
Yours truly,
Mia