Shanghai R3 previews and predictions: Medvedev vs. Arnaldi, Humbert vs. Monfils

Daniil Medvedev will battle the Italian Matteo Arnaldi in round-three action at the Shanghai Masters. Sunday’s lineup also includes an all-French affair between Tokyo runner-up Ugo Humbert and veteran Gael Monfils.

(5) Daniil Medevedev vs. (29) Matteo Arnaldi

This has not been a kind matchup for Matteo Arnaldi so far. The 23-year-old Italian has gotten three cracks at Daniil Medevedev and has managed to win a single set for his efforts. The good news is that his better result is also their most recent match; the bad news is that it was on a clay court. Given that they are on Medvedev’s preferred hard courts and considering his strong showing in Beijing already during the Asian swing, this may spell trouble for Arnaldi.

Medevedev had a surprisingly challenging second round-match against Thiago Seyboth Wild, a Brazilian ranked 88th in the world. Seyboth Wild did not win a set, but he pushed the Russian to 7-5, 7-5. Still, it’s hard to imagine Medvedev losing this early on his favorite surface. The matchup itself favors the world No. 5 and there has been little sign of late-season fatigue that sometimes plagues players this time of year.

Cheryl pick: Medvedev in 2

Ricky pick: Medvedev in 2

(16) Ugo Humbert vs. Gael Monfils

Countrymen Ugo Humbert and Gael Monfils played twice early this season and split the wins. But it’s Humbert who is having his breakout year. The friendly French player just made his way to the final in Tokyo, where he lost to compatriot Arthur Fils in a highly competitive title match (Humbert even had championship point). Humbert’s run came last week, so fatigue could start to become an issue as the tournament progresses for the world No 15.

Monfils is a mediocre 23-20 on the season, including his two wins this week so far over Damir Dzumhur and Sebastian Baez. The popular veteran is quite clearly at the tail end of his career, although he still manages to delight tennis crowds around the world. His best tournament of the year was also where he beat Humbert en route to the Doha semifinals.

Look for Humbert to advance in this one. Monfils might actually make it more competitive than his No. 46 ranking would suggest, but in the end the left-hander is simply playing better tennis at the moment.

Cheryl pick: Humbert in 2

Ricky pick: Humbert in 3