As the first seeds enter the fray on the night of Thursday to Friday, an overview of the players to follow in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the year.
They are in good shape
Carlos Alcaraz
He quickly chased away concerns. After his premature defeats in Cincinnati and at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz reassured himself by winning the Beijing tournament this Wednesday after a sublime final against Jannik Sinner. In no way tired by his two victories in the Laver Cup, which had already reassured him about his condition, the Spaniard sent a message to the players on the circuit. One of the worries that the Murcian must have is that he has never shone in Shanghai (which takes place from October 2 to 13 this year) where his best result is a round of 16 lost last year against Grigor Dimitrov. Even if he is favorite for the tournament, the Spaniard will have to be wary of his entry into the running against the Chinese Shang and a potential round of 16 against Ugo Humbert. He could find Sinner in the semi-finals.
Arthur Son
It was the pleasant surprise of the week. After painful defeats at the Olympic Games, the US Open and the Davis Cup, Arthur Fils won the ATP 500 in Tokyo, beating four top 20 players on his way. This title is his second in the category after that in Hamburg won last July. The young Essonnian showed real progress during his Japanese week, particularly on a mental level. Progress which allows it to rise to 21st place in the world. On his way, he should face Ben Shelton in the third round before a highly anticipated clash against Sinner in the round of 16 which should tell us more about his level against the best.
Jannik Sinner
Even if his latest results were not worrying, Jannik Sinner showed that he was still riding the momentum that has carried him since January. After a journey without much difficulty during which he did not face a seeded player, Sinner reached the final of the Beijing tournament. Final that he ended up losing against Alcaraz (6-7,6-4,7-6) not without having led 1 set to 0 and having had 5-3 points in the second set. Despite his legal troubles linked to his positive test for clostebol last March, the Italian did not seem disturbed during his matches. He should have on his way to Shanghai Arthur Fils in the round of 16 and Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
Ugo Humbert
He should have some regrets. After having a match point in the final of the Tokyo tournament against Arthur Fils, Ugo Humbert finally had to lose to the Essonnian. Messin thus saw its series of 6 victories in 6 finals come to an abrupt end. But this beautiful course probably gave Humbert some confidence, who was left with two disappointments at the Olympic Games and the US Open. In addition, a healthy rivalry was born with Arthur Fils who beat him for the first time this Wednesday. Quarter-finalist last year, Humbert seems to appreciate the atmosphere of Shanghai. But if he wants to go far in the tournament, the Lorraine will have to beat Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16.
They reassured
Holger Rune
After disappointing defeats in the first round at the US Open and then in Hangzhou, Holger Rune reassured himself by reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo. Even if he didn’t beat any big names in Japan, the Dane seemed fitter and physically fresher. Eliminated in the second round against Nakashima in Shanghai last year, Rune will have nothing to lose in China. Furthermore, despite a first match against Matteo Berrettini, the 21-year-old has an accessible draw until the quarter-finals where he could meet Alexander Zverev.
Daniil Medvedev
He also made his trip to Beijing profitable. After two defeats in the Laver Cup, Medvedev regained confidence by reaching the semi-finals of the Chinese Masters 1000. Powerless against Alcaraz, the Russian beat Monfils and Cobolli showing a satisfactory level of play. Additionally, the Russian is comfortable in Shanghai, a tournament he won in 2019. But the former US Open winner is expected to meet Sinner in the quarterfinals. An opponent probably too difficult given the Italian’s current form.
They worry
Alexander Zverev
Since his defeat in the quarter-finals of the US Open against Taylor Fritz, many questions have accompanied Zverev. These doubts relate in particular to his overly busy schedule and his ability to develop his game. His mixed performances during the Laver Cup only reinforced these doubts. But Zverev has for him to like the special conditions of Shanghai. He indeed reached the final of the tournament in 2019, beating Roger Federer on his way and only losing against Medvedev. And he is lucky to have a fairly calm picture until the quarter-finals where Fritz or Rune should be waiting for him.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Many observers no longer know what to think of Stefanos Tsitsipas. During the Laver Cup, the former world number 3 had shown signs of improvement in his game. But his defeat against the American Michelsen in the first round of the Tokyo tournament once again leaves doubt about the real level of the one who is now 12th in the world. In Shanghai, the playing conditions seem to suit him. He has already reached the last four, in 2019, by beating Djokovic in the quarter-finals. This year, the Greek could find Medvedev in the round of 16 before probably facing Sinner in the quarter-finals. It remains to be seen whether the Greek will survive until this stage of the competition or not.
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