Chengdu Open 2024 Day 2: Men's singles predictions ft. Kei Nishikori vs Shang Juncheng

The Chengdu Open 2024 commenced with the first-round matches on Wednesday, September 18. Lorenzo Sonego became the first seeded player to tumble as he was sent packing by Taro Daniel on the opening day itself.

Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard was the other seeded player in action. The young Frenchman looked to be in trouble but rallied from a set down to beat Sun Fajing 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4 and advance further.

While the main draw action was quite light on the first day, the second day features a packed schedule. With that in mind, here's a look at the predictions for some of the singles matches set for Day 2 of the Chengdu Open:

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#1 - Kei Nishikori vs Shang Juncheng

Nishikori's comeback has been marred by recurring injuries this year. He returned to action in March at the Miami Open and lost in the first round, following which he didn't compete until the French Open. He made the second round of the claycourt Major and retired from his match due to an injury.

The former US Open finalist has a 5-4 record for the season, with his best result being a quarterfinal showing at the Canadian Open. Shang, meanwhile, is better prepared for the Chengdu Open. He recently made the third round of the US Open, the third round of the Winston-Salem Open, and the semifinals of the Atlanta Open before that.

Shang has a 15-8 record on hardcourts this year. Nishikori has shown he can keep up with the current crop of players during his last-eight finish at the Canadian Open. However, he'll start as the underdog in his upcoming match as he could find it tough to deal with the Chinese teen in his current form.

Predicted winner: Shang Juncheng

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#2 - Fabio Fognini vs Roman Safiullin

Fabio Fognini reached the Chengdu Open final in 2018. (Photo: Getty)

Fognini has 11 wins this season, though only one of them has been on hardcourts. While Safiullin has performed better than the Italian on the surface, his record isn't boastworthy either, going 7-10 so far. He even lost five straight matches on hardcourts earlier this year.

Both players have reached the final of the Chengdu Open in the past. Safiullin was the runner-up here last year, while Fognini faltered in the summit clash back in 2018. Both of them lost in three competitive sets as well.

This is a must-win match for Safiullin as a first-round exit could result in a severe ranking hit. However, he's in danger of an early exit from the Chengdu Open. He has made it past the opening hurdle eight times across his 20 tournaments.

Fognini, meanwhile, has crashed out in the first round at the ATP level only once from his nine tournaments this year. While one cannot completely discount Safiullin, the Italian's odds of making a winning start here seem to be better.

Predicted winner: Fabio Fognini

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#3 - Borna Coric vs Aleksandar Vukic

Coric has been in a slump for a while now. Since reaching the final in Montpellier in February, he has won an additional seven matches. He has also registered back-to-back wins only once during this period, when he made the third round of the Winston-Salem Open.

Vukic has a better record overall compared to Coric. However, he trails the latter when it comes to wins on hardcourts. The Australian has a 4-11 record on the surface this season compared to his opponent's 8-11 record.

Both players are ranked in the 90s this week, so a win would help them move upwards. Coric's resume outshines Vukic's by a fair margin but his inconsistency these days makes him a tough sell against anyone. However, the Croat's marginally better record on hardcourts compared to his opponent makes him the favorite to advance further at the Chengdu Open.

Predicted winner: Borna Coric

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#4 - Adrian Mannarino vs Terence Atmane

Adrian Mannarino is the fifth seed at the Chengdu Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Mannarino enjoyed a career-best season last year as he won three titles from four finals. However, he hasn't been able to back up his results from last year this season. He has won only nine matches this year, with six of those wins coming during the first two months of the year.

Mannarino has also won only three of his last 20 matches. Atmane hasn't set the tour ablaze with his results either. He's 2-5 for the year and has lost all three matches on hardcourts.

With the duo being in rather poor form, the contest could swing either way. Mannarino's experience does make him the favorite and he could flummox Atmane with his skills. The veteran could finally get a much-needed win at his younger rival's expense.

Predicted winner: Adrian Mannarino