The ATP Tour debuted in Hangzhou, China, kicking off with the first day of main draw matches. As part of the ATP’s return to China, this event is one of several tournaments marking the resumption of top-level tennis in the region. Fans will be treated to intriguing contests, including the highly anticipated return of former top-10 player Marin Čilić.
Marin Čilić vs. Zachary Svajda: A Battle of Experience vs. Youth
One of the standout matches of the day will feature Marin Čilić, the Croatian veteran returning to the ATP Tour after a lengthy layoff. Čilić, who is 35, underwent knee surgery earlier this year and has missed the majority of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His last appearance at the ATP level was in Buenos Aires in February 2023, but he has recently found form in the ATP Challenger Tour, picking up a few victories. Čilić enters the Hangzhou Open as a wildcard, eager to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
His opponent, American Zachary Svajda, is a rising star, just outside the top 100. The 20-year-old has shown flashes of potential, but his 3-7 record on the ATP Tour this year contrasts with a much stronger performance at the Challenger level. Svajda is gradually improving, but Čilić’s form remains uncertain after his long hiatus. Although Čilić has the experience and pedigree of a former Grand Slam champion, this match is far from predictable.
Luca Nardi vs. Fabian Marozsan: Can the Young Italian Upset the Hungarian?
Another exciting contest on the opening day pits Italy’s Luca Nardi against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. Nardi has struggled at the ATP level, compiling a 4-10 record this season, but has performed much better on the Challenger circuit with 10 wins to his name. Meanwhile, Marozsan ranked within the top 50, has been a steady competitor on the ATP Tour, finishing 20-24 for the year. Despite his inconsistencies, Marozsan’s superior ranking and experience at the tour level make him the favorite against Nardi, who will need to deliver a standout performance to secure an upset.
Luciano Darderi vs. Mikhail Kukushkin: A Clash of Generations
Luciano Darderi, a 22-year-old Argentine, is another player to watch in Hangzhou. This season, Darderi has enjoyed success with a 24-18 record, including winning an ATP title in Córdoba. Though he prefers clay courts, he’s been on a strong upward trajectory. His opponent, Mikhail Kukushkin, once a mainstay in the top 40, has struggled in recent years, with his last strong ATP season in 2019. While Kukushkin still performs well at the Challenger level, his best days may be behind him. Darderi, though less experienced on hard courts, is expected to overcome the surface disadvantage and take down the veteran Kazakh.
With an exciting lineup of matches, the ATP Hangzhou Open promises to deliver thrilling tennis from the first serve.
