tennis | Monday, November 7, 2022 9:20 AM

Monday Tennis Best Bet: ATP Challenger Knoxville, Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch

Jon Reid

Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch Best Bet: Monday, November 7th

The higher-stakes selection comes in on Friday, as Novak Djokovic won in relatively comfortable fashion against Lorenzo Musetti. Despite a slight hiccup early in the second set, where he was broken, it was a returning masterclass, as expected.

This week brings a slew of Challenger events, as the main tour plays a small exhibition event showcasing the tour’s top young talent. For Monday’s selection, we’ll take a look at the match featuring Juncheng Shang and Lucas Gerch.

In this article:

Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch Preview
Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch Best Bet

Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch Preview

November 7th, 23:30 UK Time

In what should be a match that should see a lot of longer rallies, he who constructs points best, should win.

Waiting for unforced errors (as both can tend to do at times) won’t be an effective strategy in this all-lefty matchup, considering they’re both incredibly consistent from the baseline.

With both employing a somewhat similar game style, this should be a rather competitive affair. Shang is more likely to find a few more winners with his ability to hit through the courts on his forehand wing – especially the inside-out forehand – and is the more athletic of the two.

Gerch, on the other hand, does have the bigger first serve, which should come in handy on quicker American indoor hard courts.

Shang is the favourite in the match, most likely because of his status as a very talented young junior, but stylistically here, he could be in for a dog fight with the German.

Juncheng Shang vs Lucas Gerch Best Bet

I’m happy to back the over in this one for a few reasons. First, this number should really be in the 22.5 to 23-game range.

Neither has overwhelming power, but they are close enough in talent and play a similar style, making this one a close affair more often than not.

Secondly, while Shang is a very talented young junior, he has struggled to get matches done in quick fashion. Nine of his last 11 matches have gone to a deciding set, with Shang’s level dipping for prolonged periods, even in matches he shouldn’t have an issue winning in straightforward fashion.