It’s now Day 8 at ATP Shanghai, and it’s been nothing short of exciting. Four matches are on the cards today, and they’re looking like it’s going to be a day of upsets. We at LWOT have analyzed all matches, including the marquee encounter between Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov. But who will make it to the quarterfinals?
ATP Shanghai Day 8 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs. Diego Schwartzman
Head–to–Head: Jarry 1 – 4 Schwartzman
Diego Schwartzman won three consecutive matches for the first time this year, and it seems he is gradually strutting his stuff after a prolonged period of loss of form and confidence. He ended his 11-match losing streak over top 10 players with his shock victory over Taylor Fritz in the previous round and will be aiming for his first quarter-final appearance on tour since 2022. On the other side of the court is Nicolas Jarry, who has had the opposite trajectory to his career by rising to a career-high No. 22 despite starting the year outside the top 100! Jarry undoubtedly possesses one of the most ferocious serves in the game, and he’s utilized it to edge matches.
Both South Americans prefer the dirt, but the Chilean has done exceedingly well on hardcourts and has been more consistent this year. However, the Argentine is 4 -1 in the head-to-head. Schwartzman, coupled with his newfound confidence and form, might just pull a surprise win to make it to the ATP Shanghai quarters.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
Ugo Humbert vs. J.J Wolf
Head–to–Head: Humbert 1 – 0 Wolf
Ugo Humbert has won three titles on tour this year as well as reached at least the quarterfinals of four of his last seven competitions. It has been an impressive season for the Frenchman as he has emerged from being a dark horse to picking off top ten players. J.J Wolf looks rejuvenated in Shanghai after securing a remarkable comeback win over Matteo Arnaldi – the same man who sent him packing in Beijing in straight sets a fortnight ago. It’s been a decent season for the American and he is capable of taking this match to Humbert.
This is bound to be a slugfest. Humbert is the better player but his last six matches have gone the distance and he’s spent more than double the time Wolf has on-court. The American was able to defeat Cachin, Norrie, and Arnaldi and I think he’ll have more in him to go past the talented Frenchman.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
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Tommy Paul vs. Andrey Rublev
Head–to–Head: Paul 1 – 4 Rublev
Andrey Rublev is gradually getting back to playing his best tennis after looking very shaky in the last couple of games. His confidence must have been boosted after he thoroughly outclassed Adrian Mannarino in the previous round, delivering a bagel in the process and securing consecutive victories at the ATP level since his title win on clay in Bastad. American Tommy Paul had to wait to make his debut in Shanghai to end his five-match-losing streak and it came in time as he looked to secure more points to qualify for the season-ending ATP finals. This will be his fifth round of 16 matches on hard courts this year, losing three of them. Both players haven’t been at their best recently and are just getting into their strides. Tommy Paul will need this match more and I’ll back him to get the win.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Grigor Dimitrov
Head–to–Head: Alcaraz 3 – 0 Dimitrov
Alcaraz’s quest to regain the number one spot has suffered numerous setbacks even in the absence of the current world No. 1. He hasn’t managed to win a title since Wimbledon despite winning 18 of his 22 matches since that glorious day in London. Despite his outstanding season, he hasn’t somehow lived up to his exceptional standards in the Asian swing, especially after his defeat to Jannik Sinner in Beijing. Meanwhile, Dimitrov comes into this match on the back of a quarterfinal appearance in Beijing. He hasn’t won three matches on the bounce since early August and is 0 – 3 in the head-to-head with the Spaniard.
Alcaraz’s match with Daniel Evans has been the most exciting in Shanghai and this promises to surpass it. Two players with somewhat contrasting styles of play but with incredible offensive capabilities will light up the courts. Dimitrov is a very tricky player and I think he looks confident enough to nick a set and ultimately unsettle Alcaraz for a place in the last eight.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
