ATP Shanghai Day 2 predictions, including Berrettini vs O'Connell

The last time Matteo Berrettini appeared at the ATP Shanghai, he reached the semifinals in 2019. It is not impossible to achieve such success this year, but it will depend on how the Italian's fragile physical condition holds up. Finally, last week he retired to Arthur Fils in Tokyo. In the opening round he will face Christopher O'Connell. Who do you think will prevail?

ATP Shanghai Day 2 Predictions

Pavel Kotov vs. Yosuke Watanuki

Head-to-head: Watanuki 1-0

Yosuke Watanuki spent most of the season injured and off the field, only returning to action in early September. It has been a rocky road back since then as the Japanese struggled to regain fitness. The fact that he qualified here is a pretty good sign that he might be getting closer. He played extremely well in Shanghai last year and while the form isn't quite as good, his game might be beyond Pavel Kotov and it might be more down to Watanuki's bat.
Prediction: Watanuki in 2

Yoshihito Nishioka vs. Yi Zhou

Head-to-head: First meeting

Yi Zhou is the best young player from China who has yet to make it to the ATP Tour, although his game is still extremely rough. Hopefully the performances he's had recently will force him to choose a slightly more international schedule next year and push himself to gain experience in many different environments. This will likely be another game where he puts up a solid fight but is unlikely to win after struggling to knock out Adrian Mannarino or Pavel Kotov in recent weeks.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3

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Mattia Bellucci vs. Billy Harris

Head-to-head: Harris 2-0

Two players who are close to breaking into the top 100 but won't get a rankings update until Shanghai will make things difficult as they lose some important points. The winner of this competition can hope for a big boost and even though Mattia Bellucci is currently in better shape, it won't be easy. The last time they played, we saw Billy Harris' raw power bother him. Getting this lucky loser opportunity may be a blessing for the Brit, but perhaps Bellucci will find his way to stay at the top.
Prediction: Bellucci in 3rd

Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell

Head-to-head: 1-1

Injuries continue to cause problems for Matteo Berrettini and he had to give up a set against Arthur Fils in Tokyo. Despite winning the tiebreaker against the eventual champion, the Italian was already struggling to move and was only eliminated after a few points in the second set. Christopher O'Connell is someone he should generally beat, but we shouldn't view the Australian as a pushover either. If Berrettini is still disabled, he will be there to take advantage of it.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports