Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini clashed in Cincinnati two months ago, and now they are running into each other at ATP Shanghai. It’s a brutal draw for both, with the Italian representing a much higher level of play than his ranking suggests (if healthy).

In the Round of 16 of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships on September 27, 2024, Berrettini lost his most recent match, falling 7-6, 0-0 (retired) versus Arthur Fils. Rune last played on September 30, 2024 in the semifinals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships and was defeated 6-7, 6-7 by No. 24-ranked Fils.