First-round action will continue on Day 2 at the ATP Shanghai Masters, and 15 matches are scheduled. This article features three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. But who will advance to the second round?
ATP Shanghai Day 2 Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Li Tu
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Marcos Giron has lost five consecutive matches since winning his first ATP title in Newport. He will look to end the losing streak and has a good chance against the Qualifier, Li Tu, who hasn’t played much on the main tour. Li Tu plays well on hard courts, but Giron should win if he can reach his best level.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Alexander Shevchenko vs Ramkumar Ramanathan
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Alexander Shevchenko lost in the first round of qualifying in Beijing but now has a great chance to get his first main draw win at the Shanghai Masters. Shevchenko has struggled for wins this season but will look to end the season strongly like he did last year. Ramkumar Ramanathan was on a 10-match losing streak and then came up with some exceptional tennis to qualify for the main draw of the Shanghai Masters. The Indian player fired 16 aces in the final qualifying round and will hope for a similar performance behind his serve. However, Shevchenko is a step up from any opponents he faced so far. I won’t be surprised if Ramanathan wins, but I am backing Shevchenko.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 3
Hugo Gaston vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-Head: Gaston 0-2 Munar
Hugo Gaston is in the main draw of the Shanghai Masters for the first time and will look to make a winning start. However, his form doesn’t give me any confidence heading into this match. Gaston is on a six-match losing streak and has won just one main draw match on hard courts this year. Jaume Munar is in better form but on the Challenger Tour and clay. Hard court is his worst surface as well so it’s a tricky matchup to predict. Munar defeated Gaston in the qualifying round of Cincinnati, and I think the Frenchman will seek revenge.
Prediction: Gaston in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Stan Wawrinka is still motivated to grind and play in the biggest tournaments, but his level is not helping him. With just four wins all year, things are not looking bright for the former world No.3. He faces a tough test in the form of the big serving, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The Frenchman is playing Asian Swing for the first time, but two tough draws have hurt his chances of making an impact. Wawrinka has a decent record against big servers, but to win this match, his own serve must be on point.
Prediction: Perricard in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui – USA TODAY Sports
