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Brian Swartz · 02-14-2023, 01:28 AM

Shanghai Masters

The story of the week coming in, and a second story this week, is one Rory Buckman (22, USA). Buckman won the China Open (500), and then proceeded to knock off (7) Toni Bardales and (14) Raul Ramirez to reach the quarterfinals as an unseeded entry. We don't see that kind of thing much, and we'll have more details on Buckman in the year-end roundup. Seems he'll be a player to watch.

There were more less-dramatic surprises; Jochen Weigle lost a tight one in the third round to Joss Fraikes, 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. That shows Fraikes is a threat now beyond just home events. In another one that could have gone either way, Davide de Laurentiis outlasted Johann Przalowik, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5). That will definitely keep the Race interesting, and it also meant three unscheduled participants in the final eight.

The favorites then yawned and dismissed the pretenders. That's a bit harsh, but there were no more upsets to be had. Oleg Urazov knocked on the door but didn't open it, losing two tiebreaks to Faille. Fraikes lost to Caballero, Buckman to Polychroniadis, and de Laurentiis very nearly knocked off Cananis but fell 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(2). That would have been a huge win, but for now at least the pecking order among the Germans remains intact.

Another tight one for Ben Faille in the semifinals, but Ene Caballero is out in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-4. A nearly identical score in the second semi, with Leon Polychroniadis losing to Renke Cananis. As has happened so many times, the final turned into a laugher; Faille wins 6-1, 6-3. He was pushed a couple times but utimately does not drop a set here.

Elsewhere ...

Sushant Srivastava won one FT1 in China, but his latest outing in Italy ended in a shock QF loss. Fatigue was the culprit; he'd gone through lots of practice matches the week before, and endurance has dropped just enough for that to be an occasional obstacle. This will definitely delay Srivastava's return to the Challenger scene.

Aparna Chandrasekharan notched another FT2 title in Mexico, and is aiming for his next one this coming week. Amusingly he is actually ranked above Srivastava at the moment, though he isn't quite good enough yet for that to stick.

Girish Raychaudhari found a good opportunity on an indoor court in Minsk, and claimed his first JG2 title - both singles and doubles.

02-14-2023, 01:28 AM	#1380
Brian Swartz Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2006	Shanghai Masters The story of the week coming in, and a second story this week, is one Rory Buckman (22, USA). Buckman won the China Open (500), and then proceeded to knock off (7) Toni Bardales and (14) Raul Ramirez to reach the quarterfinals as an unseeded entry. We don't see that kind of thing much, and we'll have more details on Buckman in the year-end roundup. Seems he'll be a player to watch. There were more less-dramatic surprises; Jochen Weigle lost a tight one in the third round to Joss Fraikes, 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. That shows Fraikes is a threat now beyond just home events. In another one that could have gone either way, Davide de Laurentiis outlasted Johann Przalowik, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5). That will definitely keep the Race interesting, and it also meant three unscheduled participants in the final eight. The favorites then yawned and dismissed the pretenders. That's a bit harsh, but there were no more upsets to be had. Oleg Urazov knocked on the door but didn't open it, losing two tiebreaks to Faille. Fraikes lost to Caballero, Buckman to Polychroniadis, and de Laurentiis very nearly knocked off Cananis but fell 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(2). That would have been a huge win, but for now at least the pecking order among the Germans remains intact. Another tight one for Ben Faille in the semifinals, but Ene Caballero is out in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-4. A nearly identical score in the second semi, with Leon Polychroniadis losing to Renke Cananis. As has happened so many times, the final turned into a laugher; Faille wins 6-1, 6-3. He was pushed a couple times but utimately does not drop a set here. Elsewhere ... Sushant Srivastava won one FT1 in China, but his latest outing in Italy ended in a shock QF loss. Fatigue was the culprit; he'd gone through lots of practice matches the week before, and endurance has dropped just enough for that to be an occasional obstacle. This will definitely delay Srivastava's return to the Challenger scene. Aparna Chandrasekharan notched another FT2 title in Mexico, and is aiming for his next one this coming week. Amusingly he is actually ranked above Srivastava at the moment, though he isn't quite good enough yet for that to stick. Girish Raychaudhari found a good opportunity on an indoor court in Minsk, and claimed his first JG2 title - both singles and doubles.