Casper Ruud will look to turn around his fortunes during the Asian swing as he takes on talented Aussie Aleksandar Vukic. The French contingent will be out in force with Ugo Humbert battling Arthur Cazaux.
(8) Casper Ruud vs. (Q) Aleksandar Vukic
It will be the first meeting between Casper Ruud and Aleksandar Vukic at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Friday. Ruud comes into the event off a disappointing start to the Asian swing. He bowed out to Jordan Thompson in the first round in Tokyo and before that he had a single loss to Francisco Cerundolo at the Laver Cup in Berlin. Generally Ruud had a good season. He’s still ranked ninth in the world and has two titles this season.
His best result at a major in 2024 was a semifinal showing at the French Open, but he bowed out of the U.S. Open in the round of 16, but he has limped into the fall season slightly out of sorts and looking vulnerable. That spells opportunity for Vukic. The Aussie is ranked 91st in the world and he has also been off form, with a losing 17-23 on the season. This is still an opportunity for Vukic, but it might be a big ask for him to play well enough to take out Ruud–even if the Norwegian is struggling.
Cheryl pick: Ruud in 3
Ricky pick: Vukic in 3
(16) Ugo Humbert vs. Arthur Cazaux
French newcomer Arthur Cazaux is one of the young players that the tennis world is keeping an eye on. He came somewhat out of nowhere to make the round of 16 at the Australian Open at the start of the season, but he hasn’t yet backed the result. His ranking is low enough (92nd in the world) to prompt him to play Challenger events, which he did in Thailand last week. He was only able to make the quarterfinals there and lost to Australia’s James McCabe, who is ranked 297th in the world.
Humbert is absolutely tearing it up this fall. The world No. 15 made it all the way to the final in Tokyo, where he lost to countryman Arthur Fils. He is a couple spots off his career high of No. 13, but he is playing well. Fatigue may be a factor at some point during this tournament, but he is fit and it shouldn’t be a problem just yet.
The 26-year-old is playing the kind of tennis that could see him into the tail-end of the tournament again. He had a disappointment at the U.S. Open, but has obviously shaken that off.
Cheryl pick: Humbert in 2
Ricky pick: Humbert in 2
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