In the bustling courts of the Shanghai Masters, Ben Shelton gears up for a pivotal second-round showdown against David Goffin on Friday, October 3. The American, riding high after a solid first-round win, faces a crafty veteran in Goffin, who's been quietly rebuilding his form this season. Shelton's booming serve could dominate, but Goffin's tactical nous might just trip him up—it's the kind of matchup that tests raw power against seasoned guile.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard stole the spotlight earlier today, edging out Italy's Luca Nardi 6-3, 7-6 (4) to punch his ticket to the third round. For the Frenchman, it's a much-needed boost after a rocky 2025 campaign marked by inconsistencies and early exits. Nardi, who had scraped past Sebastian Ofner in the opener, fought valiantly in the tiebreak but couldn't crack Perricard's resolve. Indeed, this victory hints at a resurgence for the 21-year-old, whose big-hitting style has drawn comparisons to the next big thing in French tennis.
Francisco Cerundolo, the Argentine seed, isn't far behind in the draw, set to tangle with Adrian Mannarino later. Cerundolo's clay-court prowess has translated unevenly to hard courts this year, with a 12-8 record entering Shanghai. However, his steady baseline game could exploit Mannarino's vulnerabilities, especially if the wind picks up on those outdoor courts. Shelton's path, should he advance, might cross Cerundolo's soon enough, adding intrigue to an already stacked bracket.
Other results filtered in quickly: Learner Tien takes on Miomir Kecmanovic, while Ugo Humbert battles Jordan Thompson. The tournament's pace feels relentless, with upsets lurking around every corner. Yet, as these players grind through the early rounds, one wonders if Shanghai will crown a surprise champion or stick to the favorites' script.