The 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters is set to host an intriguing matchup between Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia and Rinky Hijikata of Australia in the Round of 128. The match, scheduled for Thursday, October 3, at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, promises to be a closely watched contest given the recent form and historical head-to-head between the two players.
Current Form and Recent Performances
Miomir Kecmanovic, currently ranked 55th in the world, has been experiencing a mixed season. His most recent outing was at the China Open, where he lost to Tallon Griekspoor in the Round of 32 with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 3-6. On outdoor hard courts this season, Kecmanovic holds a record of nine wins and 14 losses, which has seen him slip out of the top 50 in the world rankings.
Rinky Hijikata, ranked 76th, has also had a challenging time lately. He failed to advance past the qualifiers at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, losing to Mattia Bellucci in straight sets, 3-6, 1-6. Hijikata has recorded 18 wins and 18 losses on outdoor hard courts this season.
Professional Qualities and Strengths
Kecmanovic is known for his defensive prowess, showcasing reliability and consistency in his play. He excels in controlling the ball on court, committing minimal errors and forcing opponents into lengthy rallies. His game features a solid serve, a powerful forehand, and exceptional play from the baseline. However, he has faced challenges on hard courts this season.
Hijikata is a versatile player who adapts well to different surfaces. His game is characterized by solid defense and swift movement around the court. He has a reliable backhand and a decent first serve, although his low first serve percentage and insufficient power on his forehand are notable weaknesses.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The two players have met once before, at the Mifel Open in February 2024, where Hijikata emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 7-6. This head-to-head encounter saw Hijikata take two sets, winning 13 out of 22 total games played between them.
Historically, their matches have been relatively low-scoring, with their only encounter finishing in straight sets and averaging 22 games per match.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite Hijikata's previous victory over Kecmanovic, the betting odds favor Kecmanovic. He has odds of -190 to win the match, while Hijikata is at +145. However, some predictive models suggest that taking Hijikata to win could offer a better value due to the odds being more favorable compared to the predicted probabilities.
For those considering other betting options, the match is expected to be a low-scoring affair. Predictions include a total of under 22 games and fewer than 9.5 games in the first set, reflecting the defensive and strategic nature of both players' games.
Match Details and Streaming Information
The match will take place at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, October 3. Fans can stream the match through various sports streaming services, such as Fubo.
For tennis enthusiasts, understanding the nuances of each player's game and their historical performances can provide valuable insights. This match between Kecmanovic and Hijikata is a prime example of how tennis strategy and current form can influence the outcome of a match.
