A preview of Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul and Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitorv in Selected Round of 16 Matches of the Shanghai Masters.
Here’s a preview of Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul and Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitorv in Selected Round of 16 Matches of the Shanghai Masters.
Carlos Alcaraz in action during his second round match against Gregoire Barrere (Pic – EPA)
2023 ATP Tour – Masters 1000
Shanghai Open – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Selected Round of 16 Matches – 11th October
Andrey Rublev 48/100 | Tommy Paul 16/10
This has been another very solid campaign for Russian baseliner Andrey Rublev. He has amassed 47 wins from 66 matches, winning his biggest career title at the Monte-Carlo Masters. This included runner-up finishes at the Argentina Open and Eastbourne International.
What Rublev would give for that Aussie Open semi-final run? But perhaps the sheer of volume of tennis has caught up to the American. He entered Shanghai on the back of a three-match losing streak. But he broke that unwanted streak with a dominant win against Sebastian Ofner in his opener.
Verdict: Rublev to win in straight-sets at 12/10
Rublev leads the head-to-head 4-1, besting the American when they met at last year’s Gijon Open. Paul is an awkward opponent who will not allow Rublev to simply stick to his rhythm..
Carlos Alcaraz 19/100 | Grigor Dimitorv 7/2
It’s hard to believe that Carlos Alcaraz is still just 20 years of age. The two-time Grand Slam champion has enjoyed a fantastic season, winning a staggering 62 of his 70 matches this year.
Once fated as a potential World No.1, Grigor Dimitrov has had to resolve himself to the fact that he’s unlikely to ever reach the very peak of the game. But he has discovered some real consistency this season, winning 35 out of 53 matches this season.
Verdict: Alcaraz to win in three sets – 26/10
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 3-0, seeing off the Bulgarian in straight-sets when they met in Queens earlier this year. This match will provide an interesting contrast in styles.
