Sumit Nagal vs Juncheng Shang Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 17/01/2024, 10:00  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 17/01/2024 at 10:02 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

Qualifier Sumit Nagal will hope to keep his fairytale Australian Open campaign going when he squares off next with Shang Juncheng. A third-round showdown with either Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Sonego awaits the winner here. Sumit Nagal will forever remember the 2024 Australian Open even if he is unable to prolong it past this round. Playing in the main draw in Melbourne for only the second time, he earned his biggest-ever win in the first round. The current world number 137, defeated 31st seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets. By doing so, he won only his second-ever match at a major. Nagal, who has now won his last four matches, has moved up a massive 19 places in the live ranking to number 118.

Shang Juncheng will be wary of Nagal coming into this match as he is also seeking to record a memorable Grand Slam. The 18-year-old is playing in Melbourne for the second successive year. By advancing to this round, he has equaled his result from last season. Juncheng, who made his Grand Slam debut last year, has never advanced past the second round at a major. He is coming off an exhausting five-set victory over Mckenzie McDonald. The match lasted three hours and 26 minutes. It could take its toll on him if this match with Nagal goes beyond three sets. Juncheng has won four of the five matches he has played in 2024. Despite this, he is down 11 places to 151st in the live ranking.