WATCH: Grigor Dimitrov hypes up Ben Shelton during a lighthearted moment in practice at the Shanghai Masters
World No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and Ben Shelton had a practice session at the 2024 Shanghai Masters being held from September 30 to October 13. Both players will compete in the Masters 1000 event in China this week.
Dimitrov will enter the event fresh off a title-winning run in the Laver Cup. He guided Team Europe to victory with a remarkable win against Alejandro Tabilo in the singles event, 7-6(4), 7-6(2).
The Bulgarian rallied the crowd around their practice as Shelton took off his shirt in the Qi Zhong Tennis Center. The duo indulged in some friendly banter at the net as their session closed.
While Grigor Dimitrov is yet to feature in the Asian hardcourt swing, Ben Shelton entered Shanghai after a quarterfinal exit in the Japan Open. He defeated Reilly Opelka and Mariano Navone en route to the last eight, but couldn't make his mark against Arthur Fils. The youngster outfoxed Shelton in three sets and claimed his first title in Tokyo.
While Shelton is far behind in the race to Turin this year, Dimitrov is well-positioned to qualify for the ATP Finals. He needs 2500 points to reach the qualification mark and is only 600 points behind eighth-placed Alex De Minaur. With a few clinicals under his belt, he could strengthen his grip among the top eight.
The 33-year-old has been in exceptional shape this year by amassing a title-winning run in the Brisbane International and a runner-up finish in the Miami Open. He also reached the quarterfinals of the US Open last month, where he lost to Frances Tiafoe in four sets. With 19 wins from 25 matches on hardcourts, Dimitrov will be eager to make a deep run in the Shanghai Masters.
Grigor Dimitrov will take on Zizou Bergs in the second round of the Shanghai Masters
Grigor Dimitrov will make his eighth appearance in the Shanghai Masters this year. He reached the semifinals last year, losing to Andrey Rublev in a close encounter.
The Bulgarian will take on Zizou Bergs in his opening. He leads the head-to-head against the Belgian 1-0 and defeated him most recently in the 2023 French Open.
Bergs will enter this match on the back of a confident win against Zhang Zhizheng in the first round. He outsmarted the local favorite under 90 minutes, 6-4, 6-3.
The winner between Grigor Dimitrov and Bergs will take on either Alexei Popyrin or Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round.