The US Open may traditionally signal the conclusion of the tennis season, but there’s still plenty of action to look forward to, including the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Set to take place at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, the tournament begins on October 1, with matches kicking off stateside on the evening of September 30. Despite the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who recently claimed a title in Tokyo, a robust lineup remains intact, featuring prominent players such as Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev.
In anticipation of the first day’s matches, here are some key matchups and betting insights.
David Goffin faces Alexandre Muller, who started the season strong before struggling over the summer. Muller’s performance has declined significantly, evident from his current winning percentage of 41.0%, a steep drop from the previous year’s 52.4%. Goffin, although also not in peak form, is seen as well-suited to exploit Muller’s weaknesses, particularly on faster surfaces that favor aggressive play. Betting patterns show growing confidence in Goffin, moving his odds to -107.
In a matchup between Sebastian Ofner and Luca Nardi, Ofner’s recent record on hard courts may not inspire confidence, but his powerful serve adds an unpredictable element. With Nardi only boasting a 70.0% hold percentage this season, Ofner’s aggressive play could allow him to capitalize on any weaknesses.
Zhizhen Zhang will compete against Sebastian Baez. Zhang’s higher serve speed and his recent return from injury make him a dangerous player on hard courts, especially with the home crowd supporting him. Given Baez’s struggles on this surface, Zhang is favored at -125.
When it comes to tournament futures, Jannik Sinner stands out as a favorite to win, especially after Alcaraz’s exit from the draw. The pressure is on Sinner to replicate his success as the reigning champion. Alex de Minaur is also worth considering as he seeks to navigate a favorable draw and potentially reach the finals, taking advantage of competitors’ inconsistent performances.
With an exciting lineup and various betting opportunities, the Rolex Shanghai Masters promises to deliver thrilling tennis over the next two weeks.