First-round action at the Shanghai Masters gets underway on Wednesday, when qualifier Denis Shapovalov goes up against Lorenzo Sonego. Botic van de Zandschulp and Pablo Carreno Busta are also on the schedule.
Lorenzo Sonego vs. (Q) Denis Shapovalov
Due to injury problems and inconsistent play, Shapovalov is ranked No. 101 in the world and had to qualify for the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The Canadian left-hander successfully qualified, winning five matches in a row, including three straight-set victories in Davis Cup competition.
Shapovalov will face Sonego for the third time in Shanghai on Wednesday. They have split their previous two encounters, with each winning one match. Sonego, ranked 50th, has not won a match since winning the title in Winston-Salem. With two wins already at this tournament, Shapovalov is likely to have the edge.
Pick: Shapovalov in 3
(PR) Pablo Carreno Busta vs. Botic van de Zandschulp
Van de Zandschulp and Carreno Busta will face each other for the second time in their careers on Wednesday. In their only previous match two years ago in Madrid, Van de Zandschulp came out on top.
Carreno Busta has been solid when healthy, with recent good results, while Van de Zandschulp has been inconsistent. Although Van de Zandschulp defeated Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, Carreno Busta is in better form and is expected to advance.
Pick: Carreno Busta in 2
