Getty Images
Daniel Medvedev will avenge his 2025 rival Tian Xueliang in the fourth round of Shanghai on Wednesday. Lorenzo Musetti will also play against the resurrected Felix Og-Aliasim.
(16) Daniel Medvedev vs. Learner Tian
Apprentice Tian made his mark at the Australian Open early this season. The 19-year-old American boy fought all the way in the qualifying round and entered the quarterfinals. Ironically, he defeated Daniel Medvedev in Melbourne. He also defeated the struggling Russia in the Beijing semi-final last week, achieving a stunning record of 2-0. After that, Teen had an unstable season. He had barely won (1-6) on clay court and encountered Novak Djokovic in the first round of the U.S. Open. However, he made his debut again this fall, reaching the quarterfinals in Hangzhou, reaching the finals in Beijing, and at least the fourth round at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Tian ranked 36th in the world, setting a career high.
Medvedev had a tough year. The No. 16 seed lost the first round in all Grand Slam events, and the former world number one is currently ranked 18th. Medvedev suffered physical problems in Beijing last week's match against Tian, forcing him to withdraw from the game due to severe cramps. Earlier two weeks ago, he beat Dalibor Sfsina and Alejandro Davidovic Forkina in at least two sets. With the hotter and humid weather and slower courts, Medvedev is likely to play against Tian in his second straight game.
Cheryl's Choice: Tien in 3
Ricky's Choice: Medvedev 3
(8) Lorenzo Musetti vs. (12) Felix Og-Aliasim
Felix Og-Aliasim was impressive at the U.S. Open last month. The world's No. 13 tennis player played inspirational tennis, beating two top 10 players (Alexander Zverev and Alex Deminal) and the world's No. 15 Andrei Rublev. Shanghai is the first competition Canadians have participated in since New York has participated in the semi-finals.
He will face familiar rival Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday. The Italian reached the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open, but unlike Og Aliasim, he has played a lot of tennis since then. Musetti has only 4-3 in the confrontation, but has won his last two games, including a three-set victory at the Miami Masters earlier this season. Musetti was forced to retire in Beijing last week. He played well enough in Shanghai, but fatigue may start to become a factor. The slow court may offset some of Og Aliasim's weapons, but this time I nodded to the Canadians.
Cheryl's Choice: Og Aliyasim 3
Ricky's Choice: Og Aliyasim 3