Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Shanghai match.
Carlos Alcaraz (3) is kicking off the final tournament of the Asian swing, the Shanghai Masters. After a thrilling and exhausting final at his previous event in Beijing, the Spaniard must focus on his match against the talented Chinese player Juncheng Shang (55).
Carlos Alcaraz
Historically, Alcaraz tends to struggle towards the end of the season, and this time he is determined to change that pattern. Following the US Open, the former world number one took a break from competition and showcased his best tennis in Beijing. However, Carlos expended a significant amount of energy. His final against Jannik Sinner was a rollercoaster (6:7, 6:4, 7:6) and the longest in Beijing tournament history, lasting 3 hours and 21 minutes.
Juncheng Shang
Shang is approaching his home Masters in the best form of his career. In September, the Chinese player claimed his first ATP title in Chengdu, catapulting him to 55th in the world rankings—the highest position the 19-year-old has reached. Additionally, the young talent is gradually learning to compete with top players: in his last two matches against top-ten players, Grigor Dimitrov and Casper Ruud both needed all five sets to advance.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juncheng Shang Prediction
Currently, Shang is not an opponent to defeat based solely on class. He demands maximum effort and concentration, which Alcaraz, after his battle with Sinner, might struggle to provide. We prefer to bet on the underdog.