Shanghai R4 previews and predictions: Sinner vs. Shelton, Cerundolo vs. Korda

Jannik Sinner will try to keep his Asian-swing hot streak going when he faces Ben Shelton in the Shanghai fourth round on Tuesday. Francisco Cerundolo and Sebastian Korda are also bidding for a semifinal spot.

(6) Jannik Sinner vs. (19) Ben Shelton

Sinner and Shelton will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they clash in the round of 16 at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Tuesday. Coming off a title in Beijing to begin the Asian swing, Sinner became the fourth player to clinch a place in the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals when he defeated Marcos Giron 7-6(7), 6-2 in his Shanghai opener. The 22-year-old Italian followed that up with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sebastian Baez, improving his winning streak to seven matches and his overall season record to 51-13.

Shelton is also enjoying by far the best season of his career, which is no surprise since it’s only his second one on tour. The 20-year-old American is already up to No. 20 in the world thanks mostly to quarterfinal performances at both of the hard-court Grand Slams. Twenty of his 23 main-tour match wins have come in 2023, including in Shanghai at the expense of Jaume Munar (6-4, 6-4) and Roman Safiullin (3-6, 6-3, 6-4). Obviously Sinner is huge favorite, but with little rest following Beijing and a Turin spot already secured, his physical and mental strength could be in question. This is a good opportunity for Shelton to pull off an upset.

Pick: Shelton in 3

(20) Francisco Cerundolo vs. (26) Sebastian Korda

For Korda, there just seems to be something about facing Daniil Medvedev. The 26th-ranked American upset Medvedev in straight sets at the Australian Open earlier this year and did the same during Shanghai third-round action on Sunday. Korda’s only loss to the third-ranked Russian is a tough three-setter at the 2021 Paris Masters, so he always seems to play well in that particular matchup.

Now the question is if Korda can sustain it against an opponent he has never faced and in a matchup in which he has to be considered a slight favorite as opposed to a big underdog. Up next for the 23-year-old is Cerundolo, who is a solid all-court player but would probably prefer to go up against Korda on clay. The 21st-ranked Argentine has already battled through two tight contests in Shanghai, beating Mackenzie McDonald in two tiebreakers before scraping past Marton Fucsovics 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Korda has not dropped a set so far this fortnight, and even if he is tested by Cerundolo he should be able to keep the momentum going.

Pick: Korda in 3