Just one tournament this week and a chance for us to catch our breath before a flurry of European tournaments.
The penultimate Masters Series event brings us back to China for one of the best events of the year.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Lost the number 1 ranking last week and will want to prove a point or several.
Nasty Floater: Vasek Pospisil – The danger man has already put out Gasquet in round 1.
Veteran Watch: Tommy Haas – Still in with chance for London. Into round 2 to play Brands.
Up and Coming: Benoit Paire – Pulls off win against Simon and could do some more damage.
Slumping: Roger Federer - The Swiss Army Knife is chasing his 22nd Masters crown. He must perform here.
On Fire: Rafael Nadal – The new #1 looks for his 27th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy and his first title in Shanghai.
My pick: Rafael Nadal – With the #1 under his belt, full of confidence.
Did You Know? In its first three years in 2009-2011, Shanghai was awarded ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year
Watch: Shanghai Uncovered
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more picks and amusement!