The ATP Shanghai action continues on Day 7. Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz are two of the players in action, and their matches are among those predicted in this article. We at LWOT split the remaining matches between two articles, including Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli and Ben Shelton vs Roberto Carballes Baena. Which players do you think will win?
ATP Shanghai Day 7 Predictions
Tomas Machac vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Vukic caused a considerable upset in the last round against Casper Ruud, harming the Norwegian’s chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in the process. The Australian also played well in the previous rounds, including during qualifying. He faces an opponent he lost heavily to when they met last year. Machac thrives when opponents give him a consistent pace, and it will be interesting to observe whether Vukic mixes up his game. Vukic’s level at the tournament could make this close, but it remains a pretty good matchup for Machac.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-head: Popyrin 2-1 Dimitrov
Dimitrov was far below his best in the last round against Zizou Bergs but managed to fight through in three sets. He requires a significantly improved performance against Popyrin, who defeated Dimitrov during his surprising run to the National Bank Open title in August. Despite Popyrin’s formidable serve, the relatively fast conditions in Shanghai suit Dimitrov slightly more. Popyrin is most dangerous when he has time on his groundstrokes, which might tip the match in the Bulgarian’s favor.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-head: Fritz 1-0 Watanuki
Fritz was another man who won his opening match without finding his best tennis. Watanuki puts a lot of balls into play and will ask questions of the US Open runner-up. The American’s firepower and superior ability to create opportunities on return should be enough to progress to the next round, but expect Watanuke to make it challenging in spells.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Zverev 4-1 Griekspoor
Zverev and Griekspoor’s French Open battle a few months ago was one of the best matches of that tournament. The German eventually prevailed in a final-set tiebreak, but Griekspoor probably should have won with the number of chances he had. Despite his undoubted quality, it is tough to consistently back Griekspoor because he is inconsistent. The Dutchman could make this close again, but Zverev’s greater consistency makes him the favorite.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
