Second round action continues on Day 4 of the ATP Shanghai Masters, with many top players taking court for the first time this week. This article features #9 seed Karen Khachanov, who will take on home talent Juncheng Shang. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance to the next round?
ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions
Denis Shapovalov vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-Head: Shapovalov 1-0 O’Connell
Denis Shapovalov showed his class against Jannik Sinner at the US Open but took an early exit in Tokyo. He was beaten by Daniel Altmaier, who has a single-handed backhand, and Christopher O’Connell should take confidence from that. However, the court speed is quicker here in Shanghai, which will strengthen Shapovalov’s game. The serve is a big difference between them, and I expect Shapovalov to win this one in three sets.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Newlywed Felix Auger-Aliassime will look to continue his great form from the US Open and make a deep run here. He has a tough challenge against Alejandro Tabilo, who has found his game since the Asian swing began and is playing his best tennis of the season. These two have never played before, which adds an element of uncertainty. Tabilo’s lefty serve can trouble the Canadian’s slightly weaker backhand and open up the court. However, Auger-Aliassime has recently demonstrated more variation in his game, giving him a minor advantage.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Karen Khachanov took another bad loss against Alexandre Muller in the first round in Beijing and will arrive in this match low on confidence. He will want to end the season on a high, but will need to play a great match against Juncheng Shang, who will have the crowd cheering for him all match. Shang can win this match, but his serve has to hold up. I can see this going either way, but I’m predicting the local player to edge this out.
Prediction: Shang in 3
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
