Van de Zandschulp, the highest-ranked Dutch tennis player, rallied past Daniel Merida in three sets to reach the second round in Shanghai. 31st seed Alex Michelsen awaited after the American enjoyed a first-round bye.
Michelsen showed no signs of rust early on, but the 22-year-old was caught off-guard when Van de Zandschulp took a break point on love to seize the initiative in the opening set. Michelsen mustered up just one break point en route to a set loss, giving the American plenty to do in order to reach a maiden third round in China.
The second set remained closely fought, with neither player giving up much ground until Michelsen, who had wasted two break points in the previous game, conceded a late break at 4-4, allowing Van de Zandschulp to serve for the match.
It was déjà vu for Michelsen, who got himself into position to hurt the Dutchman but ultimately couldn't convert his chances at 40-15. The American fought to fend off two match points, but couldn't keep Van de Zandschulp at bay to close out the third.
Van de Zandschulp reached the third round, his first in Shanghai and third in his last four ATP 1000 Masters tournaments, and will face Arthur Fils next.