Tennis | ATP Shanghai 2024 | Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev look to secure fourth round berth

10/07/2024 02:18 PM

By Tony Fairbairn

• Novak Djokovic [4] v Flavio Cobolli [28]
• Alexander Zverev [2] v Tallon Griekspoor
• Grigor Dimitrov [9] v Alexei Popyrin [20]

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are looking to secure a place in the fourth round of Shanghai in the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season.

Novak Djokovic [4] v Flavio Cobolli [28] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Novak Djokovic's first appearance in Shanghai in five years ended with a tight victory over the fearless Alex Michelsen. The Serb hadn't competed since his third round exit at the US Open and is now hoping to play freely and with quality in his mission to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. Although Djokovic will feel he has completed tennis, the Serb is aiming to still find motivation as he looks to push the younger generation to their limits and that will start by trying to win his fourth Shanghai title.

One of Italy's brightest talents stands in Djokovic's way in the third round in the form of Flavio Cobolli. The world number 30 set up a meeting with Djokovic by edging past Stan Wawrinka in a gritty three set contest. Cobolli has had a breakout season having started the year at 100 in the world and the Italian will hope that he can push on as he looks to secure an Australian Open seeding. A funky and charismatic game style will take Cobolli far and he will aim to entertain the Shanghai audience against the greatest player of all time.

Djokovic will dominate on serve as he looks to push Cobolli behind the baseline and test the Italian's stamina. Meanwhile Cobolli will use the forehand to get Djokovic moving as he will need to take the ball early in order to rush Djokovic's baseline play. This will be a decent test for Djokovic but the Serb should have enough quality to beat a fatigued Cobolli who is playing for a second day in a row.

Prediction: Djokovic in straight sets.    

Alexander Zverev [2] v Tallon Griekspoor H2H & Match Fundamentals

Lung problems are not stopping Alexander Zverev's surge towards the Turin finish line as he competes in his 21^st tournament of the season. The German came agonisingly close to the Roland Garros title and his maintained his position as one of the most consistent players on the tour. Now Zverev looks to continue his efficiency at Masters 1000 level with the German seeking a first Shanghai title.

Now Zverev gets to relive one of his closest matches of the season as he takes on Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai. The Dutchman was inches away from knocking out Zverev in Paris and is hoping to recreate that form in China. After a promising first half of the season, Griekspoor has been poor in the second half of the season and will need to find some of that early season form if he wants to be seeded for January's Australian Open.

This will be the battle of two of the most effective serves on tour with Griekspoor aiming to finish the points off at the net. Zverev will use the backhand to create depth and will finish the points off with the forehand. Although Griekspoor should test the second seed, Zverev's consistency should prove too much for the world number 40.

Prediction: Zverev in three sets.    

Grigor Dimitrov [9] v Alexei Popyrin [20] H2H & Match Fundamentals

It's been a phenomenal season for Grigor Dimitrov as he aims to continue the momentum in Shanghai. A tough three set win over Zizou Bergs means Dimitrov is in contention to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals which would be a remarkable feat for the Bulgarian. The question is can Dimitrov hold his nerve when it really matters as we enter the final few months of the 2024 season?

That nerve will be put to the test against Alexei Popyrin who has had a stunning last few months. The Australian started his recent run by winning the Masters 1000 event in Canada where he beat Dimitrov and many other top players on his way to his maiden Masters title. Since then Popyrin has gone from strength to strength as he knocked out Djokovic on his way to the second week at the US Open. Now Popyrin will believe he can recreate similar form in Shanghai as his confidence is at an all time high.

Dimitrov will use the angles to get Popyrin moving around the court with the ninth seed looking to create space for efficient backhand winners. Meanwhile the Australian will look to serve aggressively and force Dimitrov to make unforced errors on return. This will be one of the best matches of the tournament with Popyrin's slightly more aggressive play paying off just like it did in Canada when the two met a few months ago.

Prediction: Popyrin in three sets.

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