Novak Djokovic makes his Shanghai 2024 debut on Saturday against talented young American Alex Michelsen, while Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini clash for the third time.
(4) Novak Djokovic vs. Alex Michelsen
All-time great Novak Djokovic will close out his 2024 season without a major title for the first time since 2017. The Serbian record-breaker bowed out of the U.S. Open after a dismal third-round match against Alexei Popyrin, sealing his slamless season. Until the Paris Olympics, the Serb was also bizarrely without a single title save 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 tricky first match for Djokovic. Alex Michelsen is starting to come into his own. The American came up through qualies in Tokyo last week and made it all the way to the quarterfinals, so he’s definitely playing well right now and he had an easy first round win over China’s Yunchaokete Bu, so he has match play on the Shanghai courts. Still, Djokovic didn’t become who he is by losing right off the bat to lower ranked players. Look for Djokovic to need to shake the rust off, but the Serb should make it through.
Cheryl pick – Djokovic in 3
(12) Holger Rune vs. Matteo Berrettini
Denmark’s Holger Rune has a win over Matteo Berrettini in 2024. They met at the Cincinnati Masters where Rune won in 3. Berrettini hasn’t played all that much since he lost in the second round of the U.S. Open, but he performed well in Davis Cup. He had a 2nd round loss last week in Tokyo, but he lost to eventual champion Arthur Fils, so that doesn’t necessarily imply poor form – more bad luck.
Holger Rune managed to turn around his season last week in Tokyo. The No. 12 seed made his way to the semifinals, where he also lost to eventual champion Arthur Fils. The Dane is unpredictable form-wise; he’s equally capable of brilliance or terrible form on any given day. His form in Tokyo suggests that he’s playing well at the moment. Court speeds in Shanghai (quite quick) will favor Berrettini and his big serve, so the Italian may well have a chance at the upset.
This one should go the distance. If Berrettini continues to stay healthy and he serves well, Rune is going to be vulnerable.
Cheryl pick – Berrettini in 3
