Time to wrap up the second round on Day 4 the 2023 ATP Shanghai Masters. Andrey Rublev has avoided Aslan Karatsev in the second round, but is Quentin Halys really that much easier to handle? We’ll see how the Russian handles that challenge. In addition to this article, we split the rest of the day’s matches between three others. One features Carlos Alcaraz vs Gregoire Barrere, the second highlights Tommy Paul vs Sebastian Ofner, and the third features Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions
Dan Evans vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Get Mikhail Kukushkin to a quick/low-bouncing court and he still has it in him. The Kazakh veteran is currently trying to get back to Grand Slam qualifying range after missing out at the French Open and Wimbledon this year. He’s had a couple of great runs and the flat-hitting can make the opponents very uncomfortable. Dan Evans should be able to find the response eventually though and with his slice mastery, low-skidding balls aren’t something he’s scared of.
Prediction: Evans in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Beibit Zhukayev
Head-to-head: First meeting
Beibit Zhukayev’s serve is loving these conditions and his opening round against Stefano Napolitano was actually of surprisingly high quality. The problem is that besides the monstrous first delivery, the Kazakh’s game doesn’t really have all that much to offer. Karen Khachanov recently returned from a long injury break and has already picked up an ATP title. He’ll probably find a way to neutralize the serving bombs of Zhukayev.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
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Cameron Norrie vs J.J. Wolf
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cameron Norrie hasn’t been at his best in the past few months, but he’s still avoiding any bad losses (Aleksandar Kovacevic at Los Cabos might count, but the American was unbelievable on the day). The Shanghai courts and J.J. Wolf’s attacking style could get him into trouble though. Norrie is just a very reliable player, while his opponent is the opposite of that. Wolf’s most recent showings haven’t been too great, but he’s definitely capable of winning this if he executes his game at a high standard.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-head: First meeting
We were all getting excited for Aslan Karatsev to play Andrey Rublev in Round 2, but this matchup isn’t that much weaker. Quentin Halys has such a high ceiling as well and an imposing game that makes you struggle to come up with an answer if he’s on. The Frenchman has had a rough patch since Wimbledon and this would be a brilliant way to get back on track. Rublev’s base level is so strong though and you really cannot afford to have any major dips against him.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
