Tsitsipas advances in Shanghai; Hurkacz lines up Djokovic

SHANGHAI -- Two-time major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas beat qualifier Kimmer Coppejans 6-3, 7-5 in the Shanghai Masters first round Thursday, continuing his slow climb back up the ATP rankings.

Tsitsipas, who reached a career-high No. 3 ranking in 2021, lost in qualifying at last week's Japan Open. At his previous tournament, the US Open, he lost in the fourth round to eventual finalist Ben Shelton.

After slipping to No. 87 midyear, Tsitsipas has worked his way up to No. 43. He next faces 18th-seeded Luciano Darderi.