Davidovich Fokina attempts a comeback and faces Hurkacz in the Chengdu decision

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man

Hangzhou and Chengdu: two beats in the Chinese ATP round

In Hangzhou, the semi-finals were both decided in straight sets: two matches without a third set, no turning and with the score running fastest for whoever closed the game. Already at ATP 250 of Chengdu, the definition was more laborious because Spanish Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Polish Hubert Hurkacz needed three sets to advance, both with turns.

Monday's opening: Key-head 2 had to run after

Key head 2, Davidovich Fokina opened Monday in Chengdu. The number 2 on the key did not guarantee a quiet afternoon: he took the start to the third set and needed the turnaround to continue in competition.

Why the difference between straight sets and three sets matters to the cheerleading squad

In ATP 250 tournaments, the best of three sets format makes every serve break and each game lost have high weight. When a tennis player closes in straight sets, as happened in the Hangzhou semifinals, he saves minutes, reduces wear and reaches the next stage with more control of the game.

For the fans, this changes the reading of favouritism. A keyhead who wins in three sets with a turn shows mental strength but also leaves the impression that his opponent has come as close as he could.

Where the story goes now

With the two rankings built on three sets and with turnovers, Chengdu's key advances to the next stage with tennis players who went through more pressure than Hangzhou semi-finalists whose matches were settled in straight sets.