World No. 1 Jannik Sinner lost just five games in his opening-round match against Taro Daniel at the ATP Shanghai Masters on Saturday. Now he’s due to face Tomas Martin Etcheverry with 2019 champion Daniil Medvedev also on the schedule (taking on Matteo Arnaldi). Who do you think will make the next stage of the Rolex Shanghai Masters?
ATP Shanghai Day 5 Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Shelton 1-0
It was easy to expect another Arthur Fils vs Ben Shelton clash here, but the Tokyo champion ended up losing to Roberto Carballes Baena. This is another of these slightly unexpected runs away from the dirt for the Spaniard, highlighting how much his game has evolved over the years. But the reality is he very likely wouldn’t have defeated Fils if it wasn’t for his opponent being fatigued. Shelton’s thigh issue from Tokyo seemed no longer a concern last round and he should end Carballes Baena’s run.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Tommy Paul vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Paul 1-0
Alejandro Tabilo found himself on an eight-match losing streak going into this event and getting over the line against Arthur Rinderknech must have been quite a relief. Like we saw with Shuai Zhang recently, sometimes stories like this lead to playing as if you had nothing to lose. But it seems like the Chilean would really need something special here. Tommy Paul tends to be so solid off the ground and his athleticism should allow him to parry whatever Tabilo throws at him despite the relatively quick conditions.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Matteo Arnaldi vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Medvedev 3-0
Matteo Arnaldi’s game is still good enough to potentially grant him a breakthrough run sometime soon, but the Italian keeps running into issues against players who can shrink the court. Even Zachary Svajda gave him nightmares in the opening round. It just takes so much from Arnaldi to keep his forehand errors in check in these matchups, especially compared to opponents he can play instinctively against. Facing the ultimate court-shrinker in Daniil Medvedev, it’s tough to like his chances despite how talented he is.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: Sinner 1-0
Just like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner also didn’t waste any time in his opening round and showed there was no hangover from reaching the final in Beijing. Taro Daniel was a rather comfortable opponent for him, but to be fair so should be Tomas Martin Etcheverry. On hard courts it’s just tough to see what exactly the Argentinian could do to trouble the World No. 1. Sinner was comfortable in their last head-to-head meeting at the 2023 Australian Open and another outcome here would be pretty shocking.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
