As a season of pleasing consistency nears its conclusion, Daniil Medvedev would dearly love to add to his trophy collection. While the world No.4 is a winner of 20 career singles titles, none of those victories have come in 2024.
And where better than to achieve that milestone at the Rolex Shanghai Masters? In 2019, Medvedev constructed a breathtaking campaign to win one of his most important career titles in Shanghai without losing a set.
"I love it here. I love the city since the first time I've been here for the Challenger (tournament). I love the venue. I think it's the best tournament by far, outside of the Slams," he said.
"It's great, I feel like, for players and for fans, so it's mutual fun. I feel like all the stadiums are full, even for practice, which is crazy, so, yeah, great energy, happy to win here, and will try my best to stay as long as possible."
Medvedev made a business-like start towards that objective as he opened his 2024 campaign in Shanghai with a straight-sets win over Thiago Seyboth Wild. He required just under two hours to record his 7-5 7-5 victory, recovering from early service breaks in each set.
Medvedev withstood 29 winners from the Brazilian, a five-set winner over Medvedev in the only other match they contested in the first round of Roland Garros last year.
"He plays well, very well, against me," said Medvedev. "I felt like I actually played a good match, just a couple of few loose errors, but it's okay, it happens, and if not, I stayed tough, that's why I managed to win … (I'm) generally happy with my level and looking forward."
Other seeds in Shanghai were caught by surprise.
Aleksandar Vukic built on the momentum he established after coming through qualifying, with the 91st-ranked Australian stunning Casper Ruud in straight sets. Coming against a world No.9 opponent, the 6-4 6-4 victory was the biggest of Vukic's career.
"I'm very proud of myself, very happy," said the 28-year-old, who converted two break point opportunities and saved three of his own late in the second set. "I played a very good match. It was very clean."
Vukic closed out his victory with a perfect service game, adding to confidence for a third-round meeting with 30th-seeded Czech Tomas Machac.
Wu Yibing, the 556th-ranked Chinese player, also created major shockwaves with a dominant win over Nicolas Jarry, the No.25 seed and a 2023 quarterfinalist.
"I think maybe that's the best match I ever played in my career," beamed Wu, who was delighted to maintain focus against such a high-profile opponent in his 6-2 6-1 win.
"He has a huge serve, I think one of the best servers on tour, and I prepared a lot before the match. I tried to, like stand different position on returns, and try to copy different situations, which I'm really happy that today I have all done it in the match."
The 22-year-old will face No.3 seed Carlos Alcaraz or countryman Shang Juncheng in the third round.
Stefanos Tsitsipas enjoyed a confidence-boosting turnaround as he launched his fifth main-draw campaign at the tournament. The 10th-seeded Greek had suffered a shock loss to Kei Nishikori at the Montreal Masters in August but was a 7-6(6) 6-4 winner in their Shanghai rematch.
"I wanted to show that I can go out there and play a good match against him. It turned out to be better and better each and every game," said Tsitsipas, who recorded 14 aces among 40 winners against the Japanese wildcard.
"I was definitely happy with some of my service games. I think the more the match proceeded, the more I started feeling my returns, the more I started understanding how can I perhaps win points on his service games.
"It took me a while, but I was getting better over time, so good to see that from my side."
Earlier, Ben Shelton continued his record of perfect starts at ATP Masters 1000 level as he successfully opened his second Shanghai campaign against qualifier Denis Shapovalov.
The 14th-seeded Shelton was the sturdier competitor as he completed his 6-3 7-5 victory in his third win over the Canadian this year. Adding to his success against Shapovalov at Wimbledon and Washington, the 21-year-old Shelton also built on his impressive record in Shanghai, where he upset Andrey Rublev on his way to the quarterfinals last year.
"I feel a little bit more sure of myself. I think that I've been more consistent throughout the year," said the American, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday next week, of the progress he has made in the year since that breakthrough.
"I think my game is trending in the right direction, the direction I want it to go. But I think I'm much more comfortable just with life on tour."
The swiftest victory of the day belonged to another American, Tommy Paul. The No.11 seed required exactly an hour to record a 6-1 6-3 victory over Fabio Fognini, who was contesting the Rolex Shanghai Masters for an 11th consecutive time.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry, by contrast, toiled for three hours and 45 minutes to eke out a 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp - setting a new record as the longest match in tournament history.
Ugo Humbert, the No.16 seed, triumphed in an all-French battle with Arthur Cazaux. His veteran countryman Gael Monfils also continued a successful campaign in Shanghai, with the 38-year-old registering an upset win over No.22 seed Sebastian Baez.
There were also upset wins for Alexandre Muller, a straight-sets winner over No.18 Felix Auger-Aliassime and Roberto Carbelles Baena, who eliminated No.21Arthur Fils.
Alejandro Tabilo, Alex Michelsen, and Matteo Arnaldi also progressed to the Rolex Shanghai Masters third round.
