Patrick Zahraj #413Germany22 – 0Joshua Sheehy #661United States0

Zahraj, ranked 416, has been competing regularly on the Challenger circuit and recently reached the later rounds of an indoor hard event. Sheehy, ranked 742, has played mostly hard-court events but has struggled for wins in recent months.

Zahraj's current indoor hard sample shows a 75% win rate and a 60.5% games-won percentage across four matches, including three wins in his last four outings. Sheehy's overall last-15 record is 4-11, and he has not competed since a straight-set loss on August 24, leaving him with less match rhythm. This contrast makes Zahraj the more reliable player entering this qualifying round, though Sheehy's serve numbers remain competitive.

Sheehy is a left-hander with a two-handed backhand and a serve that has produced over 1,100 career aces. His first-serve effectiveness is a key part of his game, but his return numbers have been below tour average.

In his last 15 matches, Sheehy has won 71% of first-serve points and saved 68.4% of break points, showing he can hold serve when landing first serves. However, his 35.1% return points won is lower than Zahraj's 39.7%, and his 58.3% first-serve percentage means he often starts points from a defensive position. If Zahraj can extend rallies and target Sheehy's second serve, he may create more break chances.

The two players met once before, in the qualifying rounds of an indoor hard Challenger in 2024. Zahraj won that match comfortably, and both players have similar rankings now as they did then.

In that 2024 match, Zahraj won 52% of return points and converted 33% of break points, while Sheehy won only 33% of return points and struggled on second serve. The indoor hard surface at Rennes should play similarly, and Zahraj's superior return game could again be the difference. However, one match is a small sample, and Sheehy's current serve numbers are stronger than his 2024 showing.