Tommy Paul in straight sets.
Ah, the Shanghai Masters is full of surprises, isn't it, folks? Today's prime cut of tennis unfolds with an interesting matchup between Tommy Paul and Fabio Fognini. Now, if we cast our memory net all the way back to May, you'd remember Tommy Paul sailing past Fognini in straight sets during their last encounter, a delight for the fans of Paul, a disaster remembered by team Fognini.
Of course, it's simply too easy to judge a match by a look at the past. As of late, both players have had their share of ups and downs. Poor Fognini, well, has faced more downs than ups in recent times. He scored one victory out of five recent encounters. Not to paint a dismal picture, but he seems to be dancing to the music of the blues.
On the flip side, our boy Paul hasn't been scribbling an illustrious winning streak either. An average record with 3 victories from his past 5 matches is nothing to call home about. But to his credit, he's been biting off a bit more of the victory pie than Fognini.
If we sprinkle a hint of tournament seeding, anyone's guess would lean more towards Paul. He struts the stage of the Shanghai Masters bearing the tag of the 11th seed. On the other hand, Fognini enters the fray with no seed to name.
With all these points making the rounds of my color commentator brain, I'd say, keep your heart thumping, folks, because we're in for an entertaining clash. Yet, my money is on the 11th seed.
Albert’s Prediction: Tommy Paul in straight sets.