Shanghai Masters 2024: Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (4) Novak Djokovic vs (28) Flavio Cobolli
Date: October 8, 2024
Tournament: Shanghai Masters 2024
Round: Third Round
Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $8,800,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN
Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli preview
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic will take on Flavio Cobolli in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday (October 8, 2024).
After an ordinary start to the season, Djokovic redeemed himself by winning a gold medal in the Paris Olympics. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an engrossing match in the final 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
The Serb entered Shanghai on the back of a third-round exit at the US Open, at the hands of Alexei Popyrin. He started his campaign with a resilient win against Alex Michelsen, 7-6(3), 7-6(9). Djokovic is making his 13th appearance in the Shanghai Masters this year.
Flavio Cobolli, meanwhile, has had a decent season so far by amassing 33 wins from 58 matches, including a runner-up finish at the Citi Open in Washington. He also reached the semifinals of the Geneva Open, where he lost to Casper Ruud in an absorbing three-set match.
The Italian entered Shanghai on the back of a quarterfinal exit in Beijing, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev. He started his campaign with a brilliant win against Stan Wawrinka in the first round, 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-3. Cobolli is making his debut in the Shanghai Masters this year.
Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli head-to-head
The head-to-head between Djokovic and Cobolli is locked at 0-0 as they are yet to face each other.
Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Novak Djokovic vs Flavio Cobolli prediction
Novak Djokovic grinded out a tough result against in-form Michelsen in the previous round. The Serb won 77% of his first serve points and fired 35 winners against the American. He looks determined to churn out a strong result this week and could raise his level further in the third round.
Cobolli, on the other hand, outlasted Wawrinka despite losing the first set against the Swiss veteran. He won less than 60% of his second serve points, which is a cause for concern against a player like Djokovic. Having said that, the Italian hasn't lost cheaply this year and will be eager to prove himself in the third round.
Considering their record in Shanghai and experience on the main tour, Djokovic will be the clear favorite to come out on top. The 37-year-old could take a huge step towards qualification for the ATP finals if he registers a strong result this week. He should be able to outsmart the Italian and advance to the fourth round.
Pick: Djokovic to win in three sets.