Tommy Paul hasn’t won a match since the US Open and he’ll be trying to change that against Sebastian Ofner on Saturday, Day 4 at the ATP Shanghai Masters. Meanwhile, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina takes on Arthur Fils for the third time this year. In addition to this article, we split the rest of the day’s matches between three others. One features Carlos Alcaraz vs Gregoire Barrere, the second highlights Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata, and the third features Andrey Rublev vs Quentin Halys. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions
Adrian Mannarino vs Chun-Hsin Tseng
Head-to-head: First meeting
Chun-Hsin Tseng wasn’t ready for the ATP Tour level, but falling outside of the Top 300 is also quite harsh compared to his abilities. He’s getting his mojo back recently, but this is likely where his Shanghai run comes to an end. Adrian Mannarino has had a few days of rest since his Astana success and is playing the best tennis of his career at the age of 35. This is the first time he’s grabbed two titles in a season and he might be eyeing a top 20 debut.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
Grigor Dimitrov vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 1-0
Grigor Dimitrov has a phenomenal 16-2 win/loss record in opening-round matches this year. He hasn’t been able to grab a title or make a massive headline, but it’s definitely the most consistent campaign he’s enjoyed since 2017. That year he also made the quarterfinals of this event, although after saving three match points against Ryan Harrison. Aleksandar Vukic seems like an opportunity for another first-round win for the Bulgarian.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
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Arthur Fils vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 2-0
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Arthur Fils met in the opening round of two Slams this year and both these matches were rather disappointing. The French youngster will be getting better and better from here but for now, his opponent’s speed around the court has been giving him plenty of trouble. Adapting such a heavy shot as the Fils forehand to the Shanghai conditions doesn’t have to be easy, either.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Tommy Paul vs Sebastian Ofner
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tommy Paul hasn’t taken a set since the US Open, be it Davis Cup, Laver Cup, or the ATP 500 in Beijing. If this happens again here, this is where it would get worrying for the American. His last two matches came against top 10 players though and Sebastian Ofner should be more manageable. Even with the incredible season that the underdog has had, Paul should be taking this one if he can produce anything close to his best.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
