ATP Chengdu Best Bets Including Shang vs Bublik

Shang and Bublik to Battle for Chengdu Title

The Chengdu Open final will offer a fascinating contrast of styles when qualifier Zhang Zhizhen takes on top seed Alexander Bublik. Shang has delighted the home crowd with his aggressive play and powerful groundstrokes, while Bublik has been equally impressive with his serve-and-volley tactics. Both players have had impressive runs to the final. Shang has defeated three seeded players, including third seed Pedro Martinez and fifth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Bublik, meanwhile, has dropped just one set all tournament, beating the likes of Soonwoo Kwon and Denis Kudla. The two wildcard entrants will be the first qualifier and wild card pair since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Nicolas Mahut in 2018 to contest an ATP Tour final.

Who is Zhang Zhizhen?

Shang is currently ranked 145th in the world, but he has been in impressive form all season. He won the Challenger title in Ningbo in May and reached the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Challenger in January. Shang also pushed world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev to three sets in the second round of the Australian Open. The 26-year-old is known for his aggressive playing style. He hits big groundstrokes from both wings and is not afraid to come to the net. Shang also has a strong serve, which he uses to good effect.

Who is Alexander Bublik?

Bublik is currently ranked 44th in the world, but he has the potential to be much higher. The 25-year-old has a huge serve and is one of the best volleyers on the ATP Tour. Bublik also has a good all-court game and is not afraid to come forward and take control of the net. Bublik won the Newport Challenger in July and reached the semi-finals of the Halle Open in June. He also pushed world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to three sets in the second round of the French Open.

How to watch the Chengdu Open final

The Chengdu Open final will be played on Sunday, September 25th. The match will start at 11:00 AM local time (11:00 PM ET on Saturday, September 24th). You can watch the match live on Tennis Channel (USA), Eurosport (Europe), or ATP Tennis TV (worldwide).

Prediction

This is a tough match to call. Shang is playing with a lot of confidence, but Bublik is the more experienced player. Bublik also has a better head-to-head record against Shang, having won their only previous meeting in straight sets. However, Shang has been in impressive form all week, and he will be buoyed by the home crowd. I think Shang will win in a close three-set match.