The Shanghai Masters is already underway, and we’ve seen several key names make headlines for the past few days in the men’s division.
Rafael Nadal will be sidelined due to a wrist injury while Novak Djokovic will be coming in as a hot favourite to win his fifth Shanghai Masters title. Roger Federer, on the other hand, has been dealt with a tough draw to start.
Other players such as Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev, and Nick Kyrgios have made some notable Shanghai Masters 2019 news as well – whether it’s for the good or for the wrong reasons.
While news about the tourney’s biggest stars have been covered already by my fellow SBOBET writer, today, let me provide you some other updates in the ongoing tournament.
Andy Murray looking for a breakthrough
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Andy Murray playing in great shape, especially since he underwent a hip surgery a few months ago.
Since returning to action at full strength, the British player is now 5-6 and he won his first singles match at a tour-level event two weeks ago at Zhuhai, China. He also went to as far as the quarterfinals in the China Open last week.
Last Monday, he continued his progress by defeating Juan Ignacio Londero 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 in their first round match up in the Shanghai Open, and he is more than hoping that he can sustain his good form as of late.
He may have struggled initially but he found his stride at the second set and never looked back.
“I was mistiming the ball. I felt quite slow on the court, and he was pretty much dictating all of the points. I managed kind of early on in the second set to start putting a bit more on my ball, going for my shots a little bit more,” detailed Murray.
“I think each week I have been feeling good, better. In the beginning I didn’t necessarily feel good. But the last couple of weeks have been, I think, much improved,” he added.
With him now having his legs back underneath him, his Shanghai Masters 2019 odds of making it to the quarterfinals looks to be well within reach.
Daniil Medvedev continues to shine
Daniil Medvedev has emerged as one of ATP’s rising stars thanks to his superb play for the past few months. After claiming his maiden title at the Cincinnati Masters, the Russian wunderkind continued his roll with runner-up finishes at the US Open, Montreal Masters and Citi Open in Washington.
His strong play earned for himself a lot of praise from his peers, which even includes seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe – who commended the youngster’s fighting spirit when he went toe-to-toe against Rafael Nadal during the US Open.
“I was lucky enough to be part of the US Open Finals and that may have been one of the loudest, if not the loudest, when this Medvedev Russian guy came back and took it to a fifth set,” shared McEnroe.
“Obviously, [witnessing it] it’s absolutely incredible. We need a shot in the arm [like that] for our sport,” he added.
After skipping the recently concluded China Open in Beijing last week, Medvedev will be aiming to make his sixth consecutive finals appearance and his first deep run in Shanghai. He looks to be in tip-top shape and he is optimistic that he’ll be 100-per cent ready.
“I think my body is back in shape. I came here quite early in Shanghai to get used to the conditions, to the jet lag and everything. Hopefully I can be 100 percent on my first match,” said Medvedev.
Nick Kyrgios is under probation
Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios is in hot water again as he was meted a six-month probation that could lead to a suspension if he gets more into trouble.
The Aussie was initially fined $113,000 for smashing two rackets and cussing out the chair umpire during the Cincinnati Masters last August, and it doesn’t help that his behaviour has drawn the ire of the sport’s governing body.
While he is one of the sport’s up-and-coming superstars, Kyrgios has been known more for his outbursts and antics more than his fine play. He is one of tennis’ most polarising athletes and fans normally have a field day on social media whenever he does something foolish.
Because of this, several pundits and coaches have shared their ideas on how to curb his bad behaviour. Retired tennis player Sebastien Grosjean mentioned that the 24-year-old might consider consulting with a psychologist for starters.
“He needs to be surrounded by people who want to help him. If Nick can manage to control himself, it will be unbelievable for our sport and for the Tour,” said Grosjean.
“I know he works on it. I know him and I know he is a good kid. I spent time with him in the tournaments and in Florida…I think a psychologist can help him,” he added.
Kyrgios has confirmed that he has withdrawn from all Beijing and Shanghai events in the coming weeks.
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