Shanghai starts on Sunday. Urgh. I’m flagging. I don’t have time to do a full preview before main draw action begins so here’s my predictions for the draw with a few surprises (Gilles Simon). The Race to London is really hotting up and there are five players jostling for two spots so there is plenty up for grabs in Shanghai. On Sunday, previews for the three WTA tournaments will be posted.

What made you think Simon will do so well?
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I don’t think Federer will beat Djokovic.
Nor Simon over Cilic.
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Is it me or does Nadal always get an easy draw?!
I’m half convinced that these draws get fixed and that the ATP simply dislikes Djokovic because 90% of the time he has a stacked route to the final. Thiem, Robredo/Anderson, Murray/Ferrer and then Nishikori/Federer…
But if anybody can do it after playing a full week in Beijing, it’s him!
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Isner in the fist round and Raonic in the next isn’t exactly easy! And then there’s Cilic who should give plenty of trouble to Nadal as well. If Nadal gets past these guys he should be warmed up lol.
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Feliciano Lopez hasn’t won a set off Nadal in nearly five years. John Isner has NEVER beat Nadal and isn’t playing remotely well. Milos Raonic could be challenging, though he’s taken one set off Rafa in five matches so far. Cilic is the big test, but he has to potentially battle Berdych AND Wawrinka before he gets to Nadal.
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well give Nadal some credit lol. Still think he’s vulnerable though. Didn’t impress me at all vs Klizan. Djokovic’s only worry is Murray imo.
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You wouldn’t call Federer competition?
Thiem is dangerous as he’s still confident from his Wawrinka win and he’s never played Djokovic before, which always throws the serb off somewhat. Then you have Kevin Anderson who can be a threat to anybody when he’s firing on all cylinders.
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I have no idea why Simon. I was just going round-by-round and thought hmmm why not?! He’s had solid results lately and his draw is workable. Wawrinka has been vulnerable lately although I am fully aware that Stan is the clear favourite for that. It’s the end of the season, I feel like taking some risks.
Federer over Djokovic… yeah i’m not sure what I was thinking. Did I even make these picks?!
I’m not sure if I buy into the “easy” draws. I’m sure someone has looked into the draws over the a long period of time, but I can’t remember who.
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I think either Cilic or Berdych have Wawrinka’s quarter. Marin Cilic should be over some of his post Grand Slam shock now and Berdych is just playing outstanding tennis lately.
I think Wawrinka is too powerful physically for Simon, though I prefer the frenchman.
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Um, Gilles Simon to make the quarters? That’s not going to happen. And there is no way Nadal is going to win this, after the loss to Klizan everyone going up against him will fancy their chances.
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Hahaha 😀
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Well, how about that? Simon in the SF, didn’t expect that. Good call.
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Now he is in the finals. Bet you didn’t see that coming Moo.
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Cilic’s toughest match at the US Open was vs Simon. Actually thought he’d lose that one.
Nadal????? wow…
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How about that Fognini fellow? Always looking for the worst way to screw up.
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