The last time Matteo Berrettini featured at ATP Shanghai, he made the semifinals in 2019. Getting that sort of run this year isn’t impossible, but it will depend on how the Italian’s fragile physicality holds up. After all, even last week he retired to Arthur Fils in Tokyo. Opening round he comes up against Christopher O’Connell, who do you think will prevail?
ATP Shanghai Day 2 Predictions
Pavel Kotov vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-head: Watanuki 1-0
Yosuke Watanuki has spent most of the season injured and away from the court, only returning to action at the start of September. Since then it’s been a rocky way back with the Japanese struggling to recover the match fitness. Qualifying here is already a pretty nice indication that he might be getting closer. He played extremely well in Shanghai last year and while the form isn’t quite there, his game might rush Pavel Kotov and it could be more on Watanuki’s racket.
Prediction: Watanuki in 2
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Yi Zhou
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yi Zhou is the best prospect from China who hasn’t made it to the ATP Tour yet, even if his game remains extremely raw. Hopefully, the performances he’s had recently will force him to go for a slightly more international schedule next year and push himself to gain experience in many different settings. This will probably be another match where he gives it a solid fight, but probably won’t win it after his issues to close out Adrian Mannarino or Pavel Kotov in recent weeks.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Mattia Bellucci vs Billy Harris
Head-to-head: Harris 2-0
Two players who are really close to entering the Top 100, but not getting a ranking update until after Shanghai will make it tricky as they’re dropping some serious points. The winner of this one can hope for a big boost and while Mattia Bellucci is in better shape at the moment, it’s not going to be easy. The last time they played, we saw how Billy Harris’s raw power bothered him. Getting this lucky loser opportunity might be a blessing for the Brit, but maybe Bellucci finds his way to stay on top.
Prediction: Bellucci in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: 1-1
Injuries just keep causing issues for Matteo Berrettini, and he was forced to retire a set up against Arthur Fils in Tokyo. Even though he won that tie-break against the eventual champion, the Italian was already struggling to move and retired just a few points into the second set. Christopher O’Connell is someone he should be beating generally, but let’s not treat the Australian as a pushover, either. If Berrettini is still hampered, he’ll be there to take advantage.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
