The entire fourth round of the 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters will be played on Wednesday, so the schedule is packed with amazing matches left and right. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner takes on Ben Shelton, while his Beijing conqueror Carlos Alcaraz aims to avenge a Cincinnati defeat to Gael Monfils. Who do you think will prevail at ATP Shanghai?
ATP Shanghai Day 8 Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: Machac 1-0
Tomas Machac defeated Tommy Paul in Tokyo just over a week ago, finding some of his best tennis from 0-3 in the deciding set. The backhand down the line was incredible, and he was returning much more aggressively than in the early stages. Now, both players have already survived thrillers in Shanghai, especially Paul, who saved five match points against Alejandro Tabilo. Things should remain similar to their Tokyo clash. The American is way more consistent but doesn’t have the disrupting skills to help himself if Machac starts firing.
Prediction: Machac in 3
David Goffin vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: 4-4
That insane match against Tallon Griekspoor must have expended a lot of energy from Alexander Zverev. He got into a long argument with the umpire and converted his 8th match point. That might be an issue, especially with the German just recently suffering from pneumonia and still struggling with his conditioning. But the good news for him is that David Goffin seems like a fortunate draw. They used to play each other close before the Belgian went into his post-prime phase. Now, he’s not as much of a threat.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 2-1
Carlos Alcaraz lost to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati this year, struggling with the rapid conditions and a lack of motivation that got even more apparent at the US Open. But the Spaniard is back, rebuilding his confidence and passion through the recent team competitions to win Beijing after the best match of the season. He should be able to head into this one with a completely different mindset now and he’s been destroying the ball with his forehand the last couple of weeks.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Sinner 3-1
Ben Shelton took Jannik Sinner down in Shanghai a year ago but has lost to the World No. 1 three times since. Still, the American loves big matches and often raises his level against the very top. When they played at Wimbledon, he almost took a set despite being completely drained after three consecutive five-setters. He can definitely keep it close, as even Sinner won’t be able to build up an advantage against his low-margin attacking playstyle. If he can make this tight, it’s also not impossible for him to win it.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
