ATP Shanghai Day 4 predictions, including Rune vs. Berrettini

Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini met two months ago in Cincinnati, now they will meet at the ATP Shanghai. It's a brutal draw for both, with the Italian showing a much higher level of play than his ranking suggests (when healthy). Who do you think will come out on top?

ATP Shanghai Day 4 Predictions

Karen Khachanov vs. Marcos Giron

Head-to-head: First meeting

It hasn't been an easy season for Karen Khachanov, but it looks like he might have had something going in Beijing, as only Carlos Alcaraz stopped him in the quarterfinals (and that first set was pretty hard-fought). It's pretty hard to guess how his dynamic with Marcos Giron will work, and it's surprising that they haven't faced each other yet. While both play a relatively high percentage, Khachanov should still have a much higher ceiling when he finally has confidence in his game.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3

Alexei Popyrin vs. Miomir Kecmanovic

Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 3-1

Miomir Kecmanovic used to really like this duel, but they haven't faced each other since 2021. These days it's Alexei Popyrin who made a big splash recently and will be looking to keep the Montreal/US Open momentum going. The opening round loss to Tomas Machac in Tokyo shouldn't bother him too much considering how well the Czech played throughout the tournament. The form is enough to give Popyrin favorite status here, but he must resist the temptation to defeat Kecmanovic with too much focus on conservative patterns.
Prediction: Popyrin in 3

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Taylor Fritz vs. Terence Atmane

Head-to-head: First meeting

Terence Atmane repeats his run from last year when he also qualified and won his opening round in the main draw. Now the question arises as to whether he can beat a seeded opponent this time. Taylor Fritz's loss to Arthur Fils in Tokyo looks much better in hindsight after the Frenchman won the title. The absolute top version of Atmane's game could cause him problems, as the Frenchman's weapons may force him to reach for balls. But the more likely version is just that the underdog stays relatively close with his serve, and that's it.
Prediction: Fritz in 2

Holger Rune against Matteo Berrettini

Head-to-head: Rune 2-1

This was a blockbuster match early in the event in Cincinnati and it's no different here. Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire in Tokyo last week but appears to be in good health now after defeating Christopher O'Connell. But this is a game with good margins and perhaps Holger Rune can turn his fitness into an advantage (even if it's rare for the Dane to do so)? After all, he still has all the tools necessary to keep moving forward and just needs some stabilization to sort things out.
Prediction: Rune in 3

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