With several big names set take to the court on day one at the ATP Shanghai Masters, there should be plenty of entertaining for the fans to enjoy – even if the seeded players will not yet enter the fray. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Marin Cilic vs Arthur Cazaux, Denis Shapovalov vs Lorenzo Sonego, and Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone
ATP Shanghai Day 1 Predictions
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: van de Zanschulp 1-0 Carreno Busta
This will be Botic van de Zandschulp’s first match of the Asian swing. Over a month has passed since his memorable US Open second-round triumph against the Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz. That result was particularly shocking because the Dutchman’s results throughout the rest of the year have not been overly impressive. Consistent players like Pablo Carreno Busta, who almost beat Andrey Rublev in Beijing last week, have caused him issues through 2024, and that might continue here.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Adrian Mannarino vs Zachary Svajda
Head-to-head: first meeting
Adrian Mannarino finally found some form during the opening two tournaments of the Asian swing after a dreadful period after the Australian Open. Zachary Svajda played well in the qualifying to reach the main draw and will hope Mannarino’s slight resurgence is just an aberration. The conditions in Shanghai should suit Mannarino’s game, though, making the veteran the favourite to get another victory.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
Dan Evans vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: Evans 1-0 Seyboth Wild
Thiago Seyboth Wild’s preparation might be an issue for him here. This will be his first match in Asia this year and first on a hard court since the US Open. The Brazilian had been playing at clay court challenger events since the US Open ended. Dan Evans fought through to the main draw in two qualifying matches, and his greater hard court sharpness could make the difference in Shanghai.
Prediction: Evans in 2
Gael Monfils vs Damir Dzumhur
Head-to-head: Monfils 2-o Dzumhur
Gael Monfils played well last week in Beijing against Daniil Medvedev despite losing in two sets. The 37-year-old will like his chances of overcoming Damir Dzumhur, who last lost both of his matches during the Asian swing so far. The Bosnian is a grinder who likes to extend the rallies, and that means many lengthy exchanges are inevitable in this matchup. However, Monfils’ athleticism and firepower are both superior to Dzumhur’s.
Prediction: Monfils in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
