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Shanghai ATP 1000 Day Two: Matchups and Predictions
The ATP 1000 Shanghai event on Thursday features more than a dozen opening matches. LWOT provides predictions and previews for each contest, focusing on who will advance to the second round.
**Patel Kotov vs. Tallon Griekspoor** – Head‑to‑head: Kotov 3‑2. Griekspoor has struggled throughout 2026, but Shanghai could rekindle memories of his past success. After a three‑hour match, Griekspoor won against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner by retirement, which could push his ranking below the Top 60. Kotov’s ranking has slipped outside the Top 150, although he qualified for the main draw. He has performed well in ATP Challenger events this season but has not won an ATP Tour match since 2024. Prediction: Griekspoor wins in 3.
**Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs. Ilia Simakin** – Head‑to‑head: first meeting. Simakin, 22, is ranked No. 152 and has an impressive 21‑1 record since August, winning several Challenger titles. Carabelli, 14‑22 in 2026, has limited hard‑court success. The Chinese conditions may favor an upset. Prediction: Simakin wins in 3.
**Mariano Navone vs. Pablo Carreno Busta** – Head‑to‑head: Navone 1‑0. Navone, who defeated Novak Djokovic at the US Open, has a 35% win rate on hard courts in his last 52 weeks. Carreno Busta won an ATP 1000 title in 2022 but has a 3‑5 record at Shanghai. Navone’s youth and recent form suggest he will reach the second round. Prediction: Navone wins in 3.
**Thiago Agustin Tirante vs. Hamad Medjedovic** – Head‑to‑head: first meeting. Medjedovic has a six‑match losing streak earlier in the summer. Tirante, ranked No. 54, is in his best form, with a 27‑18 tour record and a style that breaks down opponents in long rallies. This will be Tirante’s Shanghai debut. Prediction: Tirante wins in 2.
*Photo credit: Aaron Doster‑Imagn Images*