Shenzhen Open – Draw and Predictions
The Asian Swing kicked off on Monday with two 250 tournaments to ease players into the later part of the year, with Shenzhen in China hosting an ATP level tournament for the first time. The top two seeds competing this week are David Ferrer (#7) and Andy Murray (#11), who will both be seeking the title in order to gain crucial points towards the Race for the O2. The pair only have one title between them this year, a win coming in February for Ferrer at the Buenos Aires 250 Tournament. Ferrer’s side of the draw contains Andreas Seppi and Tommy Robredo as potential semi-final opponents and he is likely to have to beat sixth seed Santiago Giraldo in the Quarters.
More from Tennis
- Changing of the guard: Carlos Alcaraz dethrones Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon
- Wimbledon tiebreaker rules, explained
- Who is the youngest Wimbledon champion ever?
- How many Grand Slam titles has Novak Djokovic won?
- Marketa Vondrousova’s refreshing Wimbledon win: Injury comeback and history made
Murray is seeking to reach his first final of the year, but looked to be getting back to full form and fitness at the US Open before being stopped by Novak Djokovic. In his Quarter is Frenchman Gilles Simon, who Murray will be confident of overcoming if he can find anywhere near his best tennis. Varek Pospisil or Richard Gasquet lie in wait in the Semi-Final and will likely provide a stern test for Murray.
Canadian Pospisil could be the man to watch in Shenzhen this week, as the fast conditions are likely to suit his big game. His opening few rounds should be manageable and he will look to repeat the form which allowed him to take a set off of Roger Federer in Cincinnati. The Canadian has been threatening to have a breakthrough tournament and has already tasted Grand Slam Doubles success at Wimbledon this year (partnering American Jack Sock.)
My tip would be for Andy Murray to take his maiden title of the year in Shenzhen, kicking of his stay in Asia with a bang. Watch out for a Pospisil v Murray encounter in the semi-finals and also keep an eye on Simone Bolleli, the effervescent and hugely talented Italian who seems to be rediscovering his touch on the singles court.
More from Fansided.com
NFL Power Rankings after Week 3
Highest-paid NFL players for 2014 season
NFL’s top 20 richest players of all-time
FanSided College Football top 25 Poll: Week 4
Top 10 overrated college football teams after Week 4