Zverev Faces Rising Star Royer in Shanghai Masters Second Round

SHANGHAI, China — Third-seeded Alexander Zverev begins his Shanghai Masters 2025 campaign against qualifier Valentin Royer in the second round on Saturday. Zverev received a first-round bye, while Royer advanced after defeating Mariano Navone.

Zverev has had a mixed yet strong season leading up to this tournament. He reached the finals in Melbourne but lost to Jannik Sinner. Following that, he made it to back-to-back quarterfinals in Argentina and Rio before winning a title in Munich, where he upset Ben Shelton in straight sets. Zverev’s recent performances also include deep runs in tournaments such as Halle, Toronto, and Cincinnati.

So far this season, Zverev has delivered an impressive 489 aces, with a 74% win rate on first serves and a 41% conversion rate on break points out of 469 opportunities. His ability to perform under pressure has been key, as he continues to establish himself as a significant force on the court.

On the other side, Valentin Royer is enjoying a breakthrough season, currently ranked No. 76. He has not yet captured an ATP title this year but boasts two Challenger victories and has made it to the finals in Zadar and Hangzhou. Royer lost in that notable final to Alexander Bublik in two tiebreaks. His powerful game is evident in his stats, as he has struck 114 aces and boasts a 73% win rate behind his first serve.

The upcoming match between Zverev and Royer marks their first head-to-head encounter. While Royer’s rise gives him confidence, Zverev’s extensive experience in crucial matches makes him the favorite. Experts predict Zverev will likely prevail in a competitive matchup.

The stakes are high as Zverev is favored at -600 over Royer, who opens at +410 on the betting line. With both players aiming for victory, fans can expect an exciting match this Saturday.