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Chengdu Open: Yūichi Sugita continuing career year

By Harry Floyd

OSAKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 18: Yuichi Sugita of Japan plays a forehand in his singles match against Thiago Monteiro of Brazil during day four of the Davis Cup World Group Play-off between Japan and Brazil at Utsubo Tennis Center on September 18, 2017 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
OSAKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 18: Yuichi Sugita of Japan plays a forehand in his singles match against Thiago Monteiro of Brazil during day four of the Davis Cup World Group Play-off between Japan and Brazil at Utsubo Tennis Center on September 18, 2017 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images) /
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Chengdu Open action is into the semifinals with several top seeds already seeing upsets. Yūichi Sugita is the highest remaining player and favorite to win.

Chengdu Open action continues on this week with several surprise matches.

Japanese tennis player Yūichi Sugita is the No. 5 seed this week. He is the highest and only seeded player remaining as he advances into the semifinals.

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In general, Sugita has mainly participated on the ATP Challenger Tour throughout his career. He is, however, having what might be his best year yet on the ATP World Tour.

Earlier this year, Yūichi Sugita earned his first ever ATP World Tour singles title at the Antalya Open.

The tournament in Turkey thrust the Japanese tennis player into his highest singles ranking of world No. 42. Currently, he is the world No. 43 in men’s singles tennis.

Now, Sugita finds himself with a chance to continue his fantastic year. He faces Denis Istomin next at the tournament. So far on the year, Sugita has posted a singles record of 15-10 on the ATP World Tour. Momentum is in his favor since his title win at the Antalya Open.

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At 29-years-old, Yūichi Sugita has enough experience on tour to be a contender in any tournament. 2017 has proven that his hard work is coming to a head. Along with his title win, he also reached the second round at both Wimbledon and the US Open for the first time in his career.

Istomin, on the other hand, is fresh off of his quarterfinals win over American Jared Donaldson. He is the current world No. 78. While Sugita remains the favorite in their semifinal match, the Uzbek tennis veteran should provide a challenge. Stay tuned to see how semifinals action unfolds at the 2017 Chengdu Open.

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