Table of Contents
Chengdu Open – Musetti Rolls Into Semis
Top seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy made short work of qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili, claiming a 6-3, 6-3 victory in Chengdu. Musetti, ranked No. 9 in the world, capitalized on 15 unforced errors from his opponent while landing 66 percent of first serves and striking seven aces. Confident behind his serve and aggressive on key points, Musetti kept rallies short and avoided giving Basilashvili room to counter.
Musetti now advances to face Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan, who battled through a three-set clash with Japan’s Taro Daniel, winning 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-2. Both players entered the quarterfinal having knocked out higher-seeded opponents, setting the stage for a compelling semifinal matchup between Musetti’s precision and Shevchenko’s baseline grit.
On the opposite side of the draw, No. 4 seed Brandon Nakashima outlasted fellow American Marcos Giron 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (3). Nakashima leaned on his serve to escape the decider and will now meet Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, who rallied past Australia’s Christopher O’Connell 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Tabilo’s counterpunching ability and Nakashima’s flat hitting promise a semifinal packed with contrasting styles.
Hangzhou Open – Royer’s Run Continues
French qualifier Valentin Royer extended his dream week, following up his upset of top seed Andrey Rublev with a 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-2 victory over American teenager Learner Tien. Royer pounded 11 aces and 32 winners, overpowering Tien in the deciding set to secure his place in the semifinals. His run underscores the volatility of indoor hard-court play, where a hot serving streak can flip matches.
Next, Royer will face compatriot Corentin Moutet, who advanced after Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry retired while leading 6-3, 0-3. That sets up an all-French semifinal where Royer’s power will be tested against Moutet’s crafty left-handed variety.
Elsewhere, No. 3 seed Alexander Bublik breezed past Czech lucky loser Dalibor Svrcina 6-1, 6-1, dismantling him with heavy serving and deft volleys. Bublik moves into the semifinals against China’s Wu Yibing, who electrified the home crowd by upsetting No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Wu’s win over a Grand Slam champion marked one of the biggest surprises of the season and keeps alive hopes of a homegrown finalist.
