The seeds come into play on the third day of the 2023 ATP Shanghai Masters. Alexander Zverev was the runner-up at this event the last time it was held (2019). He starts his campaign against Roman Safiullin, whom he recently defeated in the final at Chengdu. Can he pull it off again?
ATP Shanghai Day 3 Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Bu Yunchaokete
Head-to-head: First meeting
It was a big moment for Bu Yunchaokete on Wednesday, although part of the enjoyment must have been weakened by the fact that Miomir Kecmanovic retired from their match. The Chinese still played some inspired tennis in front of the home crowd and looks ready to give his best though. His ceiling isn’t all that high though and provided Sebastian Korda got enough rest off his Zhuhai/Astana runs, he shouldn’t struggle too much in this one.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Ben Shelton vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: First meeting
Not counting the Laver Cup, this will be Ben Shelton’s first appearance since the US Open. Will his 2023 campaign remain built around just two massive events or will he find more consistency now? That is the question. Anyhow, Jaume Munar should be a decent draw on hard courts. The Spaniard has just won his first match on this surface this year against Rigele Te and the Shanghai conditions are usually quite fast.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
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Jannik Sinner vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jannik Sinner is definitely among the best five players in the world right now. Beating Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz back-to-back in Beijing was a massive feat, especially considering his 0-6 head-to-head against the Russian. Sinner has struggled in the past when trying to play again after a very taxing week, but Marcos Giron in the second round is a very favorable draw that he should be taking anyway.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: Zverev 2-0
Alexander Zverev recently faced Roman Safiullin in the final at Chengdu. While the German ended up winning, his opponent proved himself to be a formidable foe. Zverev has been winning a lot since Cincinnati though and seems to find the way to prevail a lot of the time now. Even with Safiullin performing really well against Andy Murray in round one, he can’t be considered the favorite to take this one. He’ll push Zverev though.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
