It guarantees to be an entertaining day of tennis on day 4 on the ATP Shanghai Masters with 18 matches on the slate and, as at all times, we right here at LWOT can be providing our predictions for each match on the slate, together with Jannik Sinner vs Taro Daniel, Mattia Bellucci vs Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti vs David Goffin and Carlos Alcaraz vs Shang Juncheng. But who will advance?
ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions
Jordan Thompson vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Thompson 1-1 Griekspoor
Jordan Thompson can be dissatisfied together with his outcomes on the simply concluded ATP Tokyo after beginning off his marketing campaign brilliantly. He defeated Casper Ruud in straight units within the first spherical however missed out on a quarterfinal berth within the ATP 500-level occasion after failing to duplicate his first spherical efficiency against Kei Nishikori within the second spherical.
This is a right away alternative for the Aussie to make amends for final week’s disappointment, as he failed within the first spherical on the Shanghai Masters in 2023. In truth, each of his earlier main-draw matches at this venue resulted in losses, against Diego Schwartzman in 2017 and Terence Atmane in 2023.
In distinction, Tallon Griekspoor misplaced his top-30 standing and is heading towards the highest 50, reflecting his underwhelming efficiency and outcomes over these 9 months.
He just isn't discovering methods to win any simple matches nowadays, and even on the Shanghai Masters this week, he wanted three units to beat the clay-courter Facundo Diaz Acosta. Nevertheless, it was a constructive final result because it ended his four-match dropping streak in Masters tournaments and in addition took his season win/loss document into the constructive zone.
It is tough to select between these two gamers proper now however all indications level to Thompson being finest positioned to take benefit on this match.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
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Grigor Dimitrov vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 1-0 Bergs
Grigor Dimitrov stays one of the gamers vying for a spot on the ATP Finals, a event he received in his solely earlier look in 2017. However, his pursuit of that aim hit a snag of late. He made a powerful return to the highest 10 just lately however has confronted a setback since Wimbledon as a result of harm. This challenge continues to have an effect on him, as mirrored in his latest inconsistent performances and outcomes.
Following his retirement at Wimbledon, his preparation for the US Open was poor, and he was once more compelled to retire on the season’s closing Grand Slam in New York. Since then, he has performed just one match, facing an out-of-form Alejandro Tabilo on the Laver Cup. His efficiency in that match was unconvincing, as he got here near being pushed to a deciding set.
A robust consequence on the upcoming Shanghai Masters would give him essential momentum heading into the European indoor swing and reignite his quest for ATP Finals qualification. Though he struggled at this venue early in his profession, his final two appearances have been memorable—reaching the quarterfinals in 2017 and the semifinals in 2023, defeating Carlos Alcaraz within the spherical of 16.
Zizou Bergs defeated native favourite and final month’s ATP Hangzhou runner-up, Zhizhen Zhang, in straight units through the first spherical of the Shanghai Masters. This marked Bergs’ debut on the event and his first-ever victory within the Asian swing. On Saturday, he'll make his first look within the second spherical of a Masters event.
This has been a extremely progressive season for the Belgian, not as a result of standout outcomes, however as a result of of his newfound consistency in enjoying nearer to his potential and staying clear of main health points. His efficiency has been sturdy over the previous 9 months, particularly against top-20 gamers. Although he holds a 0-7 document in these matchups, he impressively took a set off them on 5 events and even led Rafael Nadal by a set on the Rome Masters.
Grigor Dimitrov leads the head-to-head 1-0 (four-set win on the 2024 French Open). Zizou Bergs has the standard and potential to hassle Dimitrov if the Bulgarian continues to be not in his finest type or optimum health however the world no. 10 ought to have greater than sufficient to return by way of.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
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Novak Djokovic vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: first assembly
Novak Djokovic makes a welcome look on the ATP Shanghai Masters after a five-year hiatus. He has had an uncharacteristically underwhelming season in accordance with the superhuman requirements he has managed to set all through his profession – failing to win a single Slam – however there’s nonetheless lots to play for in these previous few months and the Serbian will little doubt stay one of the favorites right here at a event the place he holds the document for essentially the most titles.
Alex Michelsen for his half received by way of a difficult check within the first spherical against native hopeful Bu Yungchaokete. The younger American will little doubt relish the prospect of enjoying against the best of all time and may be capable to dangle with the Serb for just a few video games however Novak’s document at this venue ought to greater than compensate for his lack of enjoying time the previous couple of weeks and would get him throughout the end line.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main picture credit score: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
