It’s unclear if Novak Djokovic will play anything after ATP Shanghai this year, but he certainly looks motivated to win this event. The 4-time champion has already eliminated Alex Michelsen and Flavio Cobolli. Now he’s coming up against Roman Safiullin. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Shanghai Day 8 Predictions
Jakub Mensik vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: Mensik 1-0
Jakub Mensik defeated Grigor Dimitrov in Madrid earlier this year, and while the Czech isn’t playing quite like he was in the first months of the season, we shouldn’t forget him when discussing the biggest upcoming stars. He proved it again by taking out Andrey Rublev here and has already posted three deciding set wins. Dimitrov won’t be feeling too comfortable heading into this one, but maybe right now he can outfox Mensik with the Czech’s stamina, which is looking a bit suspect in his third round already.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Holger Rune
Head-to-head: 1-1
Holger Rune survived a tough match against Taylor Fritz in Indian Wells earlier this year, and this should be a fun rematch. From set two onwards, the Dane played some of his most aggressive tennis of the season there, not necessarily following that up as the year went on. But things seem to be heading in a good direction now. His performances in Tokyo and especially Shanghai have been top-notch. He’ll have chances if he can keep it up, but it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Medvedev 9-4
It’s a rivalry with lots of history, but they have yet to run into each other this season. Especially when Daniil Medvedev is serving well at the backhand of Stefanos Tsitsipas and making it tough for the Greek to finish rallies, it’s tough to understand what exactly the underdog could do to fight back. But after a year of going about 50-50 on hard courts, Tsitsipas is playing better this week and was firing off the ground in the first two matches. He’ll need more of that against Medvedev, way more of that.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: Djokovic 2-0
Novak Djokovic is playing a very limited schedule now and while his head wasn’t in it at the US Open, it seems like this time he’s motivated to take the title. The Serbian we saw against Flavio Cobolli was hyper-aggressive and never allowed his opponent any time to settle down. Roman Safiullin is one of the more prolific upset-makers on tour with his heavy weaponry, but even he might not be able to dictate the points if Djokovic is serving and hitting like that. And if he can’t stay on top of rallies, he’ll just lose.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
