The winner of this match will advance to the next round of the Shanghai Masters 2024 qualifiers, where tougher challenges await
Both players will be eager to make the main draw, which would be a significant boost to their rankings and confidence.
For Vukic, progressing further would affirm his late-season resurgence, while for Cressy, it would be a much-needed turnaround in what has been a challenging year.
Overall, this matchup promises an intriguing battle between two players with contrasting styles and storylines.
Whether it’s Vukic’s solid baseline play or Cressy’s aggressive net game that prevails, fans can expect a compelling contest at the Shanghai Masters 2024 qualifiers.
Based on current form and recent performances, Aleksandar Vukic appears to be the clear favorite to win this match. Cressy’s reliance on his serve has become a predictable pattern that top players have figured out.
Vukic’s balanced game, combined with his hardcourt prowess, should enable him to counter Cressy’s serve and take control of the baseline rallies.
While Cressy’s serve could still pose a threat if he manages to serve at a high percentage, his inability to sustain a competitive level against top 100 players in recent months makes it difficult to back him in this encounter.
If Vukic can remain consistent and avoid getting rattled by Cressy’s serve, he should be able to secure a straight-sets victory.
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Table of Contents
Aleksandar Vukic vs Maxime Cressy: Shanghai Masters 2024 Preview
The first round of qualifiers at the Shanghai Masters 2024 will feature an intriguing clash between Australian Aleksandar Vukic and American Maxime Cressy.1
Both players have had fluctuating seasons and will be looking to secure a spot in the main draw of this prestigious event. Let’s delve into their respective seasons, strengths, weaknesses, and how they match up against each other.
Hardcourt Struggles
Aleksandar Vukic’s season has been a roller-coaster ride with a record of 17-23.
Despite showing promise on various surfaces, Vukic has struggled on hardcourts, managing a subpar 5-12 record in main draw matches on this surface.
His most notable performance came at the Winston-Salem Open, where he advanced to the third round. However, this result has been one of the few highlights in an otherwise disappointing hardcourt campaign.
Grass Court Success
Vukic’s best performances in 2024 have come on grass courts. He made the quarterfinals at the Hall of Fame Open and the Libema Open, showcasing his ability to adapt to faster surfaces.
He further cemented his grass-court credentials by reaching the semifinals at the Eastbourne International. These results have been crucial in maintaining his ranking and confidence.
Asian Swing: A Mixed Start
Following a first-round exit at the US Open, Vukic began his Asian swing at the Chengdu Open. In the first round, he delivered a gritty performance by coming back from a set down to defeat former top-20 player Borna Coric.
Vukic clinched the match 3-6, 7-6 (9), 6-4, showing his resilience under pressure. However, his momentum was short-lived as he lost in straight sets to Pedro Martinez in the second round.
At the Japan Open, Vukic failed to get through the qualifying rounds, highlighting his ongoing struggles on hardcourts.
Maxime Cressy’s Season: Search for Form
From Breakthrough to Setback
Maxime Cressy experienced a breakthrough season in 2022, where he won his first ATP title and finished with a 26-27 record.2
Expectations were high for the following year, but 2023 proved to be a difficult season for the American. He managed just a 9-20 record, struggling to replicate his previous success.
2024 Season: Disappointment Continues
Cressy’s form in 2024 has not seen much improvement. His limited main draw appearances at the ATP level have resulted in a disappointing 1-4 record this season.
His only win came at the Hall of Fame Open, where he defeated Radu Albot. Outside the ATP circuit, Cressy has had slightly better results at the Challenger level, where he has recorded an 11-9 win-loss tally.
He has reached the semifinals twice at this level, but such performances are a far cry from his 2022 peak.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Cressy’s serve-and-volley style is his biggest strength, making him a dangerous opponent on faster surfaces. His aggressive net play can disrupt opponents’ rhythm, but inconsistency has plagued his performances this season.
Unforced errors and a lack of depth in his baseline game have been areas of concern. If he can tighten up his game, especially on serve, he can still pose a significant threat.
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Aleksandar Vukic vs Maxime Cressy: Head-to-Head Analysis
Style of Play
Aleksandar Vukic and Maxime Cressy have contrasting playing styles. Vukic relies on solid baseline play, employing a steady mix of groundstrokes and consistent returns.3
His adaptability across surfaces has been evident this season, particularly on grass, where he has used his flat shots effectively.
On the other hand, Cressy is a classic serve-and-volley player. His game is centered around a powerful serve and aggressive net approaches, making him a tricky opponent to face.
However, this high-risk style comes with its downsides, as any dip in serve accuracy can quickly turn matches against him.
Recent Form
Both players have struggled to find consistency in 2024, with Vukic performing slightly better in recent months compared to Cressy.
While Vukic has shown resilience in tough matches, such as his comeback win against Borna Coric, Cressy’s performances have been marred by early exits and limited wins.
The Australian’s recent win against Coric suggests that he might have a slight psychological edge heading into this match.
Head-to-Head Record
As of now, Vukic and Cressy have not faced each other on the ATP tour, making this a fresh encounter.
The lack of previous meetings adds an element of unpredictability to the match, as both players will have to adapt to each other’s strengths and weaknesses on the fly.
Serving Efficiency
For Cressy, his serve will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the match. His game is heavily dependent on holding serve and creating pressure through net approaches.
If his first-serve percentage is high and he can keep his double faults in check, he will be a formidable opponent for Vukic.
Return of Serve
Vukic’s ability to neutralize Cressy’s serve will be key. He has a solid return game, but handling the variety and pace of Cressy’s serves will test his skills.
If Vukic can get enough returns in play and force Cressy into baseline rallies, he will have a good chance of coming out on top.
Mental Toughness
- Both players have experienced challenging seasons and will need to demonstrate mental fortitude in crucial moments. Vukic has shown resilience in recent matches, especially during his comeback win against Coric.
- Meanwhile, Cressy’s confidence might be wavering due to his poor form. The player who can maintain composure under pressure is likely to emerge victorious.
- Aleksandar Vukic has had a more consistent season compared to Maxime Cressy, particularly in the latter stages of 2024.
- His ability to grind out victories and adapt his game to different surfaces gives him a slight edge heading into this matchup.
- While Cressy’s serve-and-volley style can trouble opponents on any given day, his lack of confidence and match sharpness may hinder his chances.
- Given Vukic’s recent form and his adaptability, he is the favorite to win this encounter. However, Cressy’s aggressive style could turn the match into a closely contested affair, especially if he serves well.
Aleksandar Vukic vs Maxime Cressy: Prediction
Overview of the Match-Up
The tennis showdown between Aleksandar Vukic and Maxime Cressy brings together two players with distinct styles and varying levels of success in recent times.
While Cressy’s career began with a lot of promise, particularly due to his powerful serve and volley style, recent results have shown a concerning downward trend.
Vukic, on the other hand, has displayed consistent performances, particularly on hardcourts, which could make this match an intriguing contest.
This analysis will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both players, recent form, head-to-head statistics, and the predicted outcome of the match.
The Rise and Fall of Maxime Cressy
- Maxime Cressy made waves in the tennis world with his unique play style, heavily reliant on his powerful serve and aggressive net play.
- Many likened his game to that of the towering American John Isner, known for his ability to dominate service games and pressure opponents with an unrelenting serve-and-volley strategy.
- However, while Isner maintained his level over the years, Cressy has struggled to replicate the same success. After a promising breakthrough, the French-American has suffered a series of setbacks.
- His inability to maintain consistency, particularly against higher-ranked opponents, has been his downfall. The predictability of his one-dimensional game has made it easier for opponents to counteract his tactics, resulting in a string of disappointing results.
- Cressy’s performance against top 100 players is particularly telling. He has lost all three of his matches against such players this year and hasn’t managed to beat any of them on hardcourts since February 2023.
- His struggles against higher-ranked opponents have seen him lose his last nine matches against them, further highlighting his difficulties in maintaining a competitive edge at the highest level.
Recent Form and Match Performance
When comparing the recent form of both players, Vukic stands out as the more reliable competitor. Cressy’s performances this year have been lackluster, failing to win key matches against higher-ranked opponents.
In contrast, Vukic has had a more stable run, with fewer erratic performances and a greater number of wins against top 100 players.
Cressy’s last victory against a top 100 player came over a year ago, indicating a significant slump in his form and confidence. His dependency on his serve can only take him so far if he is unable to win points during return games.
Vukic’s consistency and ability to prolong rallies could be the deciding factor in this match, particularly if he can neutralize Cressy’s serve.
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Tactical Analysis: Serve vs. Return
The biggest tactical battle in this match will be between Cressy’s serve and Vukic’s return game. Cressy’s first serve, when firing on all cylinders, is capable of producing a high number of aces and unreturnable shots.
If he can maintain a high first-serve percentage, he could put Vukic under pressure and win quick points.
However, Vukic’s returning ability is underrated. He has shown the capacity to read serves well and redirect them with interest. If Vukic can get enough returns in play, he will have the opportunity to capitalize on Cressy’s weaker ground game.
The American’s one-dimensional game style often leaves him exposed during baseline rallies, and Vukic will look to exploit this vulnerability.
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