Djokovic against Michelsen, Rune against Berrettini

Novak Djokovic makes his 2024 Shanghai Masters debut on Saturday against talented young American Alex Michelsen, while Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini meet for the third time at the end of the second round.

(4) Novak Djokovic vs Alex Michelsen

All-time star Novak Djokovic will finish his 2024 season without a major title for the first time since 2017. The Serbian record-breaker bowed out of the US Open after a dismal third-round match against Alexei Popyrin, sealing his Slam-less season. Until the Paris Olympics, Djokovic strangely didn't have a single title other than his most coveted Olympic gold. Whether he can add a late-season Masters crown to his year remains to be seen.

This is actually a difficult first game for Djokovic. Alex Michelsen is starting to come into his own. The American made it through qualifying in Tokyo last week and made it to the quarter-finals, so he's definitely playing well at the moment and had an easy win over China's Bu Yunchaokete in the first round – so he has match play on the Shanghai courts. Still, Djokovic didn't become who he is by losing to lower-ranked players straight away. Djokovic is expected to take some time to shake off the rust, but he should get there.

Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3rd

Ricky selection: Djokovic in 2

(12) Holger Rune versus Matteo Berrettini

The Dane Holger Rune won a victory over Matteo Berrettini in 2024. They met at the Cincinnati Masters, where Rune won in three games. Berrettini hasn't played that much since his loss in the second round of the US Open, but he performed well in the Davis Cup. He suffered a second-round defeat in Tokyo last week, but it was due to a loss to eventual champion Arthur Fils. So that doesn't necessarily mean bad form, but rather bad luck.

Rune managed to turn his season around last week in Tokyo. He made it to the semi-finals, where he also lost to Fils. Shanghai's number 12 is unpredictable in form; He is equally capable of brilliant or terrible form on any given day. His form in Tokyo suggests he is playing well at the moment. The speed of play in Shanghai (quite fast) will benefit Berrettini and his big serve, so the Italian could well have a chance of pulling off an upset.

This one should do it. If Berrettini continues to stay healthy and serve well, Rune will be vulnerable.

Cheryl Pick: Berrettini in 3

Ricky selection: Berrettini in 3