Shanghai R1 previews and picks: Seppi vs. Hewitt, Simon vs. Paire

Andreas Seppi and Lleyton Hewitt will contest a first-round match on Tuesday in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Gilles Simon and Benoit Paire are set for an all-French affair.

(WC) Lleyton Hewitt vs. Andreas Seppi

Seppi and Hewitt will be squaring off for the sixth time in their careers when they do battle in the first round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Tuesday afternoon. Hewitt leads the head-to-head series 3-2, but Seppi has won two of their three hard-court meetings–one 7-5 in the third set and the other 7-6 in the third. Their most recent encounter came two years ago on the grass courts of Halle, where Hewitt prevailed 6-4, 6-4.

Hewitt is up-and-down at this point in his career (32 years old), but for the most part it has been a solid 2013 for the Aussie. Last week in Beijing was a microcosm; he beat Tommy Haas in straight sets then got destroyed by Fabio Fognini 6-0, 6-2. Hewitt is 24-16 and made a run to the U.S. Open fourth round this summer. Seppi registers 32 spots ahead of his opponent at No. 22 in the world. The Italian is a decent 27-25 for his 2013 campaign, but he has lost his opening match at four of his last five events. You never know what to expect from Hewitt on any given day, but he should have a slight edge based on current form.

Pick: Hewitt in 3

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Benoit Paire vs. (13) Gilles Simon

Simon has done well to compile a 35-21 record this year despite considerable injury issues, some of which have popped up of late. A well-rested Simon captured the Metz title last month after being sidelined since Cincinnati with a knee problem. However, an abdominal strain contributed to a Bangkok semifinal loss and forced him out of last week’s 500-point tournament in Tokyo.

Up first for Simon in Shanghai is a fourth career showdown against Paire. The head-to-head series stands at 2-1 in Paire’s favor (all on hard courts) after two previous 2013 clashes were split. Paire won 7-5, 7-6(4) in Montpellier and Simon scored revenge with a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory in Indian Wells. Paire is 28-26 for the season. The world No. 26 has not been playing well lately, but a semifinal showing at the Orleans Challenger is some reason for encouragement. Unless Simon is 100 percent, this all-French collision could go Paire’s way.

Pick: Paire in 3

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