Novak Djokovic makes his 2024 Shanghai Masters debut on Saturday against talented young American Alex Michelsen, while Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini clash for the third time as second-round action concludes.
(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, Djokovic 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 is definitely playing well right now and he had an easy first-round win over China’s Bu Yunchaokete–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 take some time shaking off rust, but he should make it through.
Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3
Ricky pick: Djokovic in 2
(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 three. 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 suffered a second-round loss last week in Tokyo but that was via retirement against eventual champion Arthur Fils, so that doesn’t necessarily imply poor form–more bad luck.
Rune managed to somewhat turn around his season last week in Tokyo. He made his way to the semifinals, where he also lost to Fils. Shanghai’s 12th seed is unpredictable form-wise; he is equally capable of brilliance or terrible form on any given day. His form in Tokyo suggests that he is 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
Ricky pick: Berrettini in 3
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