Zhizhen Zhang vs Tomas Machac Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | First Round

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Zhizhen Zhang faces Tomas Machac in the first-round of the Shanghai Masters.

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 7 October 2026 at 4:00 am

Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Zhizhen Zhang vs Tomas Machac ticket information

Zhizhen Zhang vs Tomas Machac prediction

Zhizhen Zhang is currently on a four-match losing run and is without a victory since July. He began his Asian swing at the Hangzhou Open, losing to Coleman Wong in straight sets as he suffered a first-round exit. He then competed in Beijing, falling to another loss against Arthur Gea. His highlight of the year was a Challenger title in Brisbane, but that was right at the start of the campaign.

He now takes on Tomas Machac in Shanghai. Machac’s ranking has dropped to 75 following further struggles with injuries in 2026. His season did begin strongly after winning a title in Adelaide, but he missed three months of the campaign due to a foot issue. Machac only entered the China Open as a lucky loser and then suffered a loss to Alex Molcan in straight sets. He did advance to the semi-finals of this event two years ago, beating Carlos Alcaraz along the way.

Neither player is in strong form heading into this one, but Machac has performed impressively at this tournament before and can still be a threat on this surface when healthy. 

Zhizhen Zhang vs Tomas Machac tip: Tomas Machac to win