Atlanta SF Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips: Thompson vs Shang

Teenager Jerry Shang has qualified for the semi-finals in Atlanta after successfully qualifying for the main draw. On his way, he will face Jordan Thompson, seeded number 4.

(Q) Jerry Shang vs (4) Jordan Thompson

Shang is only 19, but surprisingly, he will already face Thompson for the fourth time in his career on Saturday in the Atlanta Open semifinals. The head-to-head series is 2-1 in favor of Shang, who most recently crushed the veteran Australian 6-2, 6-3 at the Indian Wells Masters this spring. They have split two meetings at the 2022 Challenger, both also on outdoor hard courts; Shang prevailed 7-5, 6-4 in Granby before Thompson won 7-6(4), 6-7(10), 6-2 in Cary.

Shang’s next matchup looks good, at least on paper. The world No. 89, who hails from China, has built up a healthy momentum in Atlanta with five wins – two in qualifying followed by main-draw losses to Andres Martin, Ben Shelton and Max Purcell. Despite the workload, Shang should have more reserves than his opponent. Thompson played the longest match in Atlanta history on Friday and did so in scorching heat, outlasting Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3 in three hours and three minutes. The 30-year-old bowed out of the doubles quarterfinals against Purcell on Friday night as expected. Even if Thompson recovers well, this is a match that will be in Shang’s racket.

Choice: Shang in 2