In the sweltering heat of the Shanghai Masters, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard pulled off a gritty win Friday, edging out Italy's Luca Nardi 6-3, 7-6 in a tiebreak that had the crowd on edge. It was Perricard's first victory here this year, a much-needed boost after a rocky 2025 season that's seen him struggle with consistency. Nardi, coming off his own straight-sets takedown of Sebastian Ofner in the opener, fought hard but couldn't quite crack the Frenchman's serve in the decider.
Meanwhile, all eyes turn to Ben Shelton's second-round showdown with David Goffin later today. The young American, ranked inside the top 20, has been on a tear with his booming lefty serve, but Goffin—ever the crafty veteran—knows how to neutralize power players. Shelton's path to this point wasn't easy; he dispatched a qualifier in the first round, showing flashes of that raw potential that lit up the US Open last year. However, Goffin's experience in big Asian swings could make this a tricky affair, especially if the Belgian's backhand starts clicking.
Over on another court, Francisco Cerundolo faces Adrian Mannarino in what promises to be a baseline grind. The Argentine, seeded ninth, has quietly climbed the rankings this season, but Mannarino's slice-and-dice game might frustrate his rhythm. Cerundolo's recent form in clay events carries over, yet hard courts like these demand quick adjustments—something he's managed unevenly so far.
Perricard's upset adds intrigue to an already stacked draw, where underdogs are starting to bark louder than expected. Shelton, for one, will need to channel that college-honed fire if he wants to advance past Goffin and chase deeper runs. Indeed, the tournament's early rounds have exposed vulnerabilities in the favorites, with tiebreaks and three-setters becoming the norm.
Moreover, as these matches unfold, it's clear the Shanghai field is as unpredictable as ever, blending youth and guile in ways that keep fans guessing.
One can't help but ponder how these early battles might reshape the entire bracket by week's end.