The Shanghai Masters quarter-finals are set to feature thrilling matchups as top players face off for a chance to advance. With players battling harsh conditions, here’s what to expect in the upcoming matches.
Holger Rune vs. Valentin Vacherot
Scheduled for Thursday at 08:00 BST, Holger Rune will take on Valentin Vacherot. Rune has expressed criticism regarding the challenging conditions in Shanghai. He has another day match, which raises concerns about his performance given the heat. The temperature is expected to exceed 30°C accompanied by high humidity.
Vacherot, who started his journey from qualifying, has played six matches, with four going to a third set. This could affect his stamina against Rune. Despite Rune’s favored position, this match remains unpredictable due to the weather.
Zizou Bergs vs. Novak Djokovic
The encounter between Zizou Bergs and Novak Djokovic will commence at 11:30 BST on Thursday. The 38-year-old Djokovic has shown signs of fatigue, having struggled with the heat in earlier rounds. He experienced nausea during his match against Yannick Hanfmann and dealt with an ankle injury against Jaume Munar.
Bergs is riding a wave of confidence after defeating notable players, including Sebastian Korda and Casper Ruud. Although Djokovic has only dropped serve twice during the tournament, Bergs may capitalize if Djokovic’s physical state falters. Bergs’ recent performance against Carlos Alcaraz bolsters his chances, as he excelled on the return of second serves.
- Bergs to win a set is priced around evens.
- Backing overs in the player games market could be promising, with Djokovic’s games exceeding 10 in each round.
Arthur Rinderknech vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime
On Friday, Arthur Rinderknech faces Felix Auger-Aliassime. Rinderknech has displayed impressive form lately, with victories over Alex Zverev and Jiri Lehecka. However, he has not yet won against Auger-Aliassime in their two previous matches, failing to claim a set.
Auger-Aliassime has shown his prowess by not dropping a set in Shanghai. His strong net play will challenge Rinderknech, who relies heavily on his serve. A first-set tie-break could be a worthy consideration at odds of 5/2, but Rinderknech’s historical struggles against Auger-Aliassime raise doubts.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Alex de Minaur
Daniil Medvedev will face Alex de Minaur in another highly anticipated match on Friday. Medvedev recently emerged victorious from a lengthy match against Learner Tien. The nature of that match creates questions regarding his recovery for what is expected to be another lengthy contest.
De Minaur, fresh from three straight-set victories, appears in better physical shape. Medvedev has a strong track record in their meetings, winning seven of nine encounters on hard courts. Despite De Minaur’s current odds hovering around 4/9, many may find them unappealing considering Medvedev’s recent improvements.
Both matches promise to deliver excitement as top players navigate the intense Shanghai conditions. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how these dynamics influence the outcomes.
