The Rolex ATP Shanghai Masters will bring the curtains down for the men on what has been an eventful Asian swing, with many players eager to close out their accounts on a high. The first round features a mix of qualifiers riding momentum, veterans looking to steady their seasons, and returning names aiming to rebuild their form. With the conditions here often rewarding sharp shot-making and consistency, these opening clashes promise plenty of intrigue. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
Head-to-Head: Schoolkate 1–0 Altmaier
Schoolkate came through qualifying with some solid wins, showing his comfort on quicker hard courts. Altmaier has struggled for rhythm on this surface all season, with most of his best results coming on clay. They’ve never faced each other before, which adds an element of the unknown. The momentum from qualifying could play a big part here, with Schoolkate looking sharp and confident.
Prediction: Schoolkate in 2
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Djere has been short on wins lately, particularly on hard courts where he has never looked fully at ease. Vacherot, by contrast, is enjoying a breakthrough year and backed it up with steady play through qualifying. The two have not crossed paths before, but Vacherot’s recent form suggests he’ll be eager to take advantage. Still, Djere’s experience at this level could keep it close if he finds his timing.
Prediction: Vacherot in 2
Head-to-Head: Mannarino 1–0 Berrettini
Mannarino thrives on these courts, his flat strokes and tricky lefty angles always a handful in quicker conditions. Berrettini, though, is coming in with valuable matches under his belt after a long spell disrupted by injuries, and his serve-forehand combo remains lethal on hard courts. They haven’t played since 2018, when Mannarino edged him in a straight sets at the Australian Open. This one has all the makings of a clash of styles that could easily go the distance.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
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