X. Gao comes into this match in difficult form — 1 wins from the last 5. Matches have been close throughout — average DS of +1.0 with a downward trend. X. Gao is winning on the scoreboard but not pulling away. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 5.4/10, leaving X. Gao vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure.

V. Erjavec comes into this match in difficult form — 2 wins from the last 5. Point margins have been modest — DS averaging +6.4. Wins have been functional rather than dominant. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 5.7/10, leaving V. Erjavec vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure.