yeonghwan Moon
Why Alcaraz Lost Before the Semis
Tomas Machac pulled off a surprise win against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, thanks to his aggressive play and ability to stay calm under pressure. Machac won in straight sets, 7-6(5), 7-5, and dominated with his net play, winning 19 out of 20 points at the net. He also saved 7 out of 8 break points, which helped him keep control during key moments.
Alcaraz didn’t play badly, but Machac simply outperformed him in crucial stages of the match. Especially in the first set’s tiebreak and during the closing stages of the second set, Machac’s composure was the game-changer. This victory brought an end to Alcaraz’s 12-match winning streak, showing just how focused Machac was.
Jannik Sinner vs. Tomas Machac: Can Machac Keep the Momentum?
If Machac can stay as locked in as he was against Alcaraz, there’s a chance he could take down Jannik Sinner as well. But, if Sinner’s aggressive and consistent style messes with Machac’s focus even for a moment, Sinner might make it look easy. Personally, I was expecting a Sinner vs. Alcaraz showdown, so maybe I’m not giving Machac enough credit simply because he wasn’t my pick.
Machac will have to dig deep mentally, and while it’s possible for him to keep this run going, Sinner’s power and precision could prove too much. What do you think? Is Machac’s streak going to continue, or will Sinner shut it down?
Fritz vs. Djokovic: Can Fritz Finally Break Djokovic’s Dominance?
Novak Djokovic has consistently had the upper hand when facing Taylor Fritz, and 2024 has been no exception. Djokovic’s form this season has been stellar, and his limited time on court in the Shanghai Masters gives him a physical edge. While Fritz has been playing well recently, Djokovic’s rock-solid defense and counter-attacking style have always posed problems for him.
I think this match will be no different. Fritz could be feeling the weight of expectation, especially if he’s thinking he needs to break his losing streak against Djokovic this time. That mental pressure could play right into Djokovic’s hands, allowing him to control the game.
Who’s Going to Win the 2024 Shanghai Open?
In my opinion, Jannik Sinner has the best shot at winning the title. If Sinner goes up against Djokovic in the final, it won’t be a walk in the park, but Djokovic’s level seems to be dipping just a little. Sinner’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play could be too much for Djokovic to handle, even with his world-class defense.
It’s a bit sad to watch the Big Three era—Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer—slowly come to an end. With Nadal retiring soon, the tennis world is on the lookout for the next Big Three. I’d love to see players like Sinner, Alcaraz, and someone else rise to fill that gap. What are your thoughts? Could this be the year Sinner solidifies his place at the top? And how long do you think Djokovic can keep playing at this high level? Let me know what you think in the comments!
