Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Jenson Brooksby Prediction Shanghai Rolex Masters - Shanghai · Oct 9, 2026

Analysis

Davidovich Fokina arrives in Shanghai with encouraging hard-court form from his previous swing: straight-sets wins over Hubert Hurkacz and Alexandre Muller, a three-set victory against Nikoloz Basilashvili, and then a 1-2 defeat to Matteo Berrettini in his most recent outing. Brooksby is already warmed up on site, having come through his opener 2-0 against Jaume Munar, and he had also handled Lorenzo Sonego 2-1 and Sebastian Baez 2-0 earlier, although a 0-2 loss to Basilashvili showed how quickly his level can dip against heavy ball-strikers. Stylistically this is a treat: two of the tour's most inventive problem-solvers, both happy to extend rallies, change speeds and drag opponents out of their comfort zone. The Spaniard has the bigger weapon set off both wings and more experience of handling the physicality of Masters-level best-of-three matches, which is why he gets the nod. Brooksby's flat, deep returning and knack for absorbing pace make him very capable of stealing a set, especially if the Shanghai conditions play slower in the morning humidity. We lean towards Davidovich Fokina but expect a deciding set.