Bublik Faces Vacherot in Shanghai Masters Showdown

SHANGHAI, China — Alexander Bublik will start his campaign at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters with a Round of 64 match against qualifier Valentin Vacherot on Friday. The match is set to feature the 28-year-old Bublik, currently ranked World No. 17, against the rising talent of Vacherot, aged 26.

Bublik, drawn in the same quarter as World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, is looking to capitalize on his recent success, including a title win at Halle where he defeated both Sinner and Daniil Medvedev. After a shaky start to the season, he has turned a corner with four Top-10 wins in 2025.

“I feel confident coming into this match,” Bublik said. “I’ve learned to bring my best on the court and I’m eager to compete.”

On the opposite side of the net, Vacherot, currently ranked World No. 204, has had an impressive journey to this point. He earned victories over players like Basavareddy and Djere before facing Bublik. Vacherot comes into the match with a tour-level success rate of 6-2 in 2025.

Vacherot’s style of play is aggressive, relying heavily on his first serve. Despite only hitting 56% of first serves in the Round of 128, he won 84% of those points. Bublik will need to find a way to counter this intensity.

No previous records exist between Bublik and Vacherot, making this their first encounter at the tour level. Bublik is expected to leverage his experience and tactical skills to overcome Vacherot’s serve and height advantage.

Betting odds reflect Bublik as the favorite, with a clear 73% chance of winning this matchup against Vacherot’s 27%.