The remaining quarterfinal spots in Hong Kong will be up for grabs on Thursday, when No. 2 seed Alexander Bublik takes on Botic van de Zandschulp. No. 5 Lorenzo Sonego vs. Jerry Shang.
Botic van de Zandschulp vs. (2) Alexander Bublik
Bublik and Van de Zandschulp will meet for the fourth time in their careers when they meet in the second round of the Bank of China Open on Thursday. Van de Zandschulp leads the head-to-head series 2-1, although both of his victories have come in three sets – including one by retirement. Bublik dominated their last meeting 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-finals in Kitzbuhel last summer.
That result was part of a remarkable surge for Bublik that saw him capture four ATP titles in addition to reaching the quarters of the French Open. The 28-year-old Kazakh is currently at a career-high No. 11 in the world and was one of the Nitto ATP Finals. Van de Zandschulp, on the other hand, compiled a 16-21 record in the majors last season. The 75th-ranked Dutchman did well to beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 in the first round, but Bublik represents a step up in the tournament.
Select: Bublik in 2
(5) Lorenzo Sonego vs. (WC) Jerry Shang
Shang simply loves playing in front of the home crowd. The 20-year-old Chinese player won his only ATP title at the 2024 Chengdu Open and advanced to the semifinals in each of his last two Hong Kong appearances. Shang has made another strong start to the 2026 event, as he eliminated Francisco Comesana 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday.
Next up on Thursday is a first-ever match against Sonego, who opened with a 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory over NextGen standout Rei Sakamoto. The 30-year-old Italian had a disappointing 25-29 last season and it’s worth noting that his Hong Kong debut 12 months ago ended in the second round (he lost to Cameron Norrie in three sets). This is the perfect place for Shang to take out a little anger.
Pick: Shang in 3
