Shanghai Masters 2014: Daily Preview, 10/9

Shanghai Masters 2014: Daily Preview, 10/9

More from Tennis

Round 3 of the Shanghai Masters will begin on Thursday, with a day of shocks on Wednesday opening up many sections of the draw. With Nadal, Wawrinka, Cilic, Nishikori, Raonic and Dimitrov all having packed their bags earlier than expected, the bottom half of the draw in particular is unpredictable.

The chase continues for the places in the Top 8 of the World Tour Finals and with the casualties on Wednesday, the remaining contenders will be sensing a massive opportunity. The Shanghai Masters winner gets 1000 points to their Race total, which would catapult any players near the top of the Race into a more comfortable postion.

STADIUM

[6] Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO)

[11] Andy Murray (GBR) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP)

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ)

Roger Federer (SUI) OR Leonardo Mayer (ARG) v [14] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

The match that leaps out is between Brit Andy Murray and David Ferrer. The rankings would suggest Ferrer goes in as favorite, but Murray has been in fine form so far in Asia, whereas the Spanish journeyman has struggled. Murray will look to extend his lead over Ferrer in the race and also take over Milos Raonic with a win.

Thomas Berdych faces the task of taking down serve machine Ivo Karlovic, knowing his half of the draw is there for the taking. Novak Djokovic should have no trouble dealing with Mikhail Kukushkin, knowing that he will face the winner of Murray and Ferrer in the quarters.

GRANDSTAND

[Q] Malek Jaziri (TUN) v Gilles Simon (FRA)

Julien Benneteau (FRA) v Jack Sock (USA)

[WC] Juan Monaco (ARG) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)

[13] John Isner (USA) v Feliciano Lopez (ESP)

Grandstand is the court to be at to watch the remaining American hopes battle it out for a place in the quarters of the Shanghai Masters. Both Isner and Sock will have high hopes of doing just that, but will need to be of the top of their games.

Isner remains my danger man in the draw and whilst he has left it too late to qualify for the World Tour Finals, he will be eager to end the season on a positive note.

More from FanSided