A number of the world’s best are set to begin their campaigns at the ATP Shanghai Masters on day four on what should be a very entertaining day of tennis. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Novak Djokovic vs Alex Michelsen, Jannik Sinner vs Taro Daniel and Mattia Bellucci vs Alexander Zverev. But who will secure their spot in the third round?
ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-head: first meeting
Brandon Nakashima is the last seed in this tournament, meaning he got a bye in the first round. The American player made a good debut here last year when he reached the third round and will look to better that result. He has been in good form on hard courts and shouldn’t lose this one if he plays well. Yosuke Watanuki got his first main draw win of the year in the first round. It must be a huge win for his confidence but I am not sure if that will help him much against Nakashima.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
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Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: first meeting
Alexander Bublik has now just one match since Wimbledon and that came against a player ranked outside 150. It’s never easy to predict matches involving Bublik as he can play at a great level or just throw the match at times. Roman Safiullin is a tough opponent and someone who likes the conditions of the Shanghai Masters. I am going with the more stable player on this one.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: first meeting
Stan Wawrinka played one of his best matches of the year in the first round to defeat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets. It was Wawrinka’s first top-50 win of the season and only the fifth tour-level win. Wawrinka saved set points on both sets and more impressively won two tiebreaks. Flavio Cobolli will present a different challenge as he is more consistent and crafty from the baseline but if Wawrinka can serve well, he has a shot.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
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Carlos Alcaraz vs Shang Juncheng
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 1-0 Shang
This has the potential to be a particularly entertaining match match as two young talents lock horns with each other. Carlos Alcaraz is playing great tennis and is coming off a title in Beijing while Juncheng Shang won his first ATP Tour title in Chengdu recently. The Spaniard is on an impressive nine-match win streak and will look to make it 10 against Shang. The Chinese prodigy is already an impressive player but beating Alcaraz might be too big a task for him. However, I expect a closer battle than their last meeting.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
