So maybe?

Despite his country's unconditional support, Juncheng Shang can't make it. What's going on?

I'll mention two main problems. 1: physicality. 2: resilience. The two are of course linked. If we look at his last 5 matches, they have a very similar physiognomy: Shang starts well and leads quite quickly by a break or a set, before gradually dropping his level. There is nevertheless an evolution within this physiognomy: he is holding on more and more. His last match against Cazaux, he didn't need much to conclude it in 2 sets. But despite the support of the crowd, he was too burned out to win this match, while he dominated a Cazaux who is playing quite well at the moment. He reassures by saying that he wasn't injured, but very tired. We can sense the guy is in good shape, and it wouldn't surprise me if playing in his country put a lot of nervous pressure on him as well. So I expect better management from him today. Against Kova, we immediately think of the left-hander's touch against a one-handed backhand. The few matches I've seen from the American have been of a good overall level, but he also can't seem to stay at his best for an entire match. And then, he doesn't play pipes, poor guy. But all of this affects confidence. So it's hard to "back" him frankly, but I'm afraid the odds will push us to do so...