ATP 250 Chengdu: Who will prevail in China?
by Tyler Doty
ATP 250 Chengdu: Who will succeed Juncheng Shang?
After a few days of transition to cross the globe and head to another continent, the men are back with the ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu. A year ago, Juncheng Shang caused a sensation and defied all tennis predictions by winning his first and only ATP title in front of his home crowd. Since then, the Chinese player has suffered injuries and it will be difficult for him to retain his crown.
This week in China, the draw will be evenly matched, with several top 50 players in Chengdu vying for victory. American Brandon Nakashima, Italians Lorenzo Musetti and Luciano Darderi, Tallon Griekspoor, and Frenchmen Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Gaël Monfils will be on hand to entertain the Chinese crowd. Here are our predictions for the ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu!
Lorenzo Musetti, out for revenge
Last year, despite being the overwhelming favorite, Lorenzo Musetti lost in the final to surprise contender Juncheng Shang. This year, the world number nine will be back in China to try and win the title, where he will once again be the clear favorite.
The Italian is coming off a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open and is the player to beat in this tournament. A finalist in 2024, the Italian will be looking to make up for that disappointment, and this 2025 edition looks set to be won by the only player in the top 30 present in Chengdu.
Our ATP 250 Chengdu winner prediction: Lorenzo Musetti to win
Another title for Tallon Griekspoor?
Victorious in Mallorca last June and author of a very good first half of the season, Tallon Griekspoor has slowed down in recent months. The Dutchman has won only one match since July and arrives in China with some doubts.
However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the world number 31, given his experience and talent. If Tallon Griekspoor returns to his best form, he will be a contender for victory in this ATP tournament in Chengdu.
Lorenzo Sonego and Jordan Thompson as outsiders
In a very evenly matched tournament behind the big favorite Lorenzo Musetti, certain players will have a chance, two in particular: Lorenzo Sonego and Jordan Thompson.
The Italian is a versatile player capable of performing well on all surfaces. Already a winner on hard courts (Winston Salem 2024), the Italian remains a player to watch in this type of tournament.
For the Australian, the situation is different following a season cut short by injuries. Having fallen to 78th in the world rankings, Jordan Thompson is nonetheless dangerous when he is 100% fit. Finally recovered from his back problems, the Australian could be the surprise package of this ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu.
