The matches at the Shanghai Masters get more interesting as the second-round action starts on day 3. A mouthwatering match between two former semifinalists, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Kei Nishikori is featured in this article. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 3. But which players will advance?
ATP Shanghai Day 3 Predictions
Alex Michelsen vs Bu Yunchaokete
Head-to-Head: First meeting
This is the last remaining first-round match, and a good one at that, between two young talents. Alex Michelsen had a good start to his first Asian Swing and took out some solid players in a run to the quarterfinals of the China Open. Bu Yunchaokete had an even better week in Beijing, as he reached the semifinals and lost to Jannik Sinner after a strong performance. The Chinese player has been in great form since the Asian Swing began and will look to continue that against Michelsen. It is a tough match to predict, but I am going with the home player.
Prediction: Yunchaokete in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-Head: Tabilo 1-0 Rinderknech
Alejandro Tabilo is on an eight-match losing streak, but his last two matches have been high-level matches against brilliant players. He will be eager to break the streak and get his first win at the Shanghai Masters. Arthur Rinderknech has a big serve, which is a serious weapon on these fast courts, but Tabilo does everything else better and has a good left serve of his own. I am backing the Chilean to get a much-needed victory.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
Arthur Fils vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Arthur Fils probably had the best week of his tennis career last week in Tokyo. He played some long and grinding matches en route and it’s never easy to replicate a good level in the next week after a title win. However, he has a good opening-round match on paper. Roberto Carballes Baena is not the most dangerous player on hard courts and doesn’t have the weapon to trouble Fils. His best chance would be to engage the Frenchman in long rallies and test his fitness.
Prediction: Fils in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-Head: Tsitsipas 1-2 Nishikori
These two recently met in the second round of the Canada Masters in Montreal, where Kei Nishikori won in straight sets. Stefanos Tsitsipas will look to take revenge and even the head-to-head. Nishikori didn’t play his best in the first round but has a clear advantage when it comes to backhand-to-backhand rallies against Tsitsipas. The Greek player will need to have a good day on serve and dictate from his forehand as much as possible. I am giving a slight edge to Tsitsipas here.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
