It promises to be a great first day of ATP Shanghai Masters, and as always we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, Gael Monfils vs Damir Dzumhur, Denis Shapovalov vs Lorenzo Sonego, and Marin Cilic vs Arthur Cazaux. But who will book their place in the second round in Shanghai and who will crash out in the first round?
ATP Shanghai Day 1 Predictions
Wu Yibing vs Sumit Nagal
Head-to-head: first meeting
Sumit Nagal has lost his last four matches. Although he is much higher ranked than Wu Yibing, the Chinese player will feel this is a decent draw for him at his home tournament. However, Wu has struggled throughout 2024, with one Challenger Tour title won in August his only achievement of note. Expect plenty of long rallies in this one, but Nagal is more likely to stay solid over three sets.
Prediction: Nagal in 3
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Shang Juncheng vs Coleman Wong
Head-to-head: first meeting
Shang Juncheng’s level fell in the opening round of the China Open in Beijing last week, but that was understandable after his efforts to win the title in Chengdu. Wong has enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024 but remains outside the top 100 and starts this contest as a heavy underdog. It is difficult to see how Wong will be able to compete with Shang’s athleticism and firepower.
Prediction: Shang in 2
Aleksandar Vukic vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both men have made relatively slow starts to the Asian swing, although Vukic played well to qualify for the main draw in Shanghai. Moutet possesses the ideal style to handle Vukic’s serve-and-forehand style when his game is working, but the Frenchman’s level has not been great since the Frenchman. That might give the Australian a slight advantage.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
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Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kei Nishikori’s persistence after years of constant injury issues is remarkable. He came so close to beating Holger Rune in the quarterfinal in Tokyo last week, playing his best tennis years in that contest. Mariano Navone, meanwhile, is improving on hardcourts, but the Argentinian fundamentally remains a clay-court specialist. If Nishikori can keep himself physically fit and strong, then he is the favourite to get another victory.
Prediction: Nishikori in 2
Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
