We have reached the quarterfinals at ATP Shanghai and have just two matches on the card. That said, they’re probably the most difficult to pick a winner. Both matches involve players who are meeting for the first time and have shown tremendous energy all week long. However, there are no stalemates in this game and we at LWOT take a peek to see who’ll make it to the last four.
ATP Shanghai Quarterfinal Predictions
Fabian Marozsan vs. Hubert Hurkacz
Head–to–Head: First meeting
Fabian Marozsan has been the sparkling revelation at ATP Shanghai. The world No. 91 was the underdog going into three of his four matches, yet he won them all, surrendering just a set to Casper Ruud in the previous round. He had introduced himself earlier in the year when he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in Rome, and he’s re-introduced himself here in Shanghai.
Hubert Hurkacz has somehow managed to squeeze his way into the quarterfinals, thanks to his massive serve. He has relied on it to win by the odd point or via tiebreakers. In fact, 53 of the 57 matches he has played during the course of the year have been decided by tiebreakers!
Marsozan looks like the more well-rounded player, but he is up against arguably the heaviest server in the game. Hurkacz is the archetypal serve-and-volley player, and he’ll certainly depend on it to take this match the distance. This is another tough one to call, but I’ll go with the Hungarian underdog to find a way past the Pole.
Prediction: Marsozan in 3
Ben Shelton vs. Sebastian Korda
Head–to–Head: First meeting
21-year-old world No. 20 Ben Shelton’s season simply cannot get any better. The youngster has had an unforgettable 2023, and it isn’t over yet. He has showcased his immense talent this year, reaching the quarterfinals down under and an outstanding run to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows. He is a lad made for the big stage, and he’s repeatedly shown that with some remarkable victories over some elite players. In fact, 16 of the 23 wins he’s achieved this year have come at Grand Slams and Masters level events. Sebastian Korda had a blistering start to the year before injuries laid him out for a couple of months. He’s somehow even come out more reinvigorated, and this match will mark his fourth consecutive ATP quarterfinal appearance.
Both Americans are playing some scintillating tennis with very little separating them. Korda knows how to strike the ball accurately from the baseline, and Shelton possesses a booming serve from that explosive left hand of his. This has to be the most difficult match to predict, but I’ll go with the younger American. The Shanghai courts appear to suit him more, and he’s shown more grit and resilience this week. I believe he’ll surrender a set before eventually outmuscling his more experienced compatriot.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
