The Shanghai Masters is now more than halfway through, entering the crucial quarterfinal phase. It looks like the intense "October heatwave" in Shanghai this year has mostly faded. Still, the autumn heat seems to have had some impact on the quarterfinal roster. The players featured in the small poster below did not make it to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinal Seed Matchups

After the Shanghai Masters draw was published, fans paid attention to these major seeded clashes:

Alcaraz (1) versus De Minaur (7).

Aliassime (3) versus Musetti (8).

Djokovic (4) versus Shelton (6).

Sinner (2) versus Fritz (5).

The predicted quarterfinal matchups were as follows:

Alcaraz (1) against De Minaur (7).

Aliassime (12) against Lehecka (15).

Shelton (6) against Djokovic (4).

Sinner (2) against Fritz (5).

Among them:

Alcaraz withdrew before the tournament.

Lehecka lost to Lindgren, exiting in the fourth round.

Shelton was defeated by Goffin, losing in his first match in the second round.

Sinner retired midway through the third round, allowing Taro to advance.

Fritz was beaten by Pericard, ending his run in the third round.

The actual quarterfinal matchups are as follows:

Medvedev (16) versus De Minaur (7), head-to-head 7:4

Medvedev has fought hard in every round to reach the quarterfinals. In yesterday’s match against Lenerche, he suffered leg cramps and nearly lost. Sweating profusely, his clothes were soaked, so cramps were hardly surprising!

De Minaur is the smoothest qualifier into the quarterfinals, winning all previous rounds in straight sets, defeating Carabelli, Majchrzak, and Borges without dropping a set.

Given Medvedev’s current physical condition, it will be difficult for him to overcome De Minaur.

Lindgren faces Aliassime, with a head-to-head record of 0:2, including one mid-match retirement. Both matches were this season. Both players have been impressive, especially Lindgren, who reversed a three-set match against third seed Zverev in the heat. However, Lindgren started from the first round, playing one more match than Aliassime. Therefore, Aliassime is very likely to advance to the semifinals, continuing his strong form from the US Open.

Djokovic faces Bergs,their first meeting.

This first encounter favors Bergs. The 26-year-old just needs to keep pushing forward. As an unseeded player, he has fought through the draw, defeating Korda, Ruud (11), Cerundolo (19), and Diallo (31), delivering an almost flawless performance.

Djokovic's matches against Huffman and Munar were grueling three-set battles, not easy wins. The matches were entertaining but not reflective of his peak form. Such a tough fight would be expected only in a final. So, winning against Bergs will not be easy for Djokovic. It’s hard to imagine how much the 38-year-old’s stamina has recovered after yesterday’s match, while the younger player’s fatigue can easily be resolved with a good night’s sleep.

Rune versus Vachero, their first meeting.

Ranked 204th, Vachero emerged from qualifiers and has won six consecutive matches. Compared to Lindgren and Bergs, Vachero is the true dark horse of the Shanghai Masters. He defeated Jarry, Bublyk (14), Mahach (20), and Taro (27) to reach the quarterfinals. I haven’t watched those matches, but friends who have say: does he have a chance to get past Rune?

Rune defeated Bates in the second round, Amber (21) in the third, and crushed big server Perkary in the fourth. The draw wasn’t too difficult. Rune has been consistent in the heat, winning all matches he should. Let’s see how Rune performs against Vachero today.

It is said that Vachero and Lindgren are cousins. Both reaching the quarterfinals has sparked excitement in their family group chat.

Today’s (October 9) schedule:

The prime time still belongs to Djokovic. At 38, his effort is truly admirable!

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