Event of the Day: Shanghai Masters Final
Our event of the day is finals day at the Shanghai Masters at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in China on the ATP World Tour. In the singles, Novak Djokovic takes on Borna Ćorić. Sixth seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares play third seeds Marcelo Melo and Łukasz Kubot in the doubles. Newly assigned world number two Djokovic made light work of fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, winning 6-2 6-1 to set up today’s encounter and continue what has been a stunning second half of the season for the Serb. Since losing in the quarter-finals of the French Open in June, Djokovic has gone on to win two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, and claim his first Cincinnati Masters title. This victory made him the only person on the ATP World Tour to have won all nine Masters events. It’s been an incredibly successful return from injury for the 14-time Grand Slam, who had elbow surgery in February and is now on a 17-match winning streak. With the world number one ranking firmly set in his sights, he will be desperate to secure victory today.
Opponent Borna Ćorić impressively overcame the great Roger Federer in straight sets to book his place in the final. At just a tender 21-years old, Ćorić is already searching for his third career title. This would be his first at Masters 1000 level, and would increase the already soaring profile of the young Croatian. A maiden Masters title would top off a super year for Ćorić. In July, he broke into the world top 20 for the first time, and in September he recorded his best finish at a Grand Slam, reaching the fourth round of the US Open. Victory today would undoubtably be the biggest win of his career. He’s beaten the best before, and a win against Novak Djokovic, at the top of his game, would be something really special. With one of the all-time greats taking on one of the hottest prospects in world tennis, it should be a fantastic match.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NFL fixture between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Both sides look likely to be some of the main contenders in the AFC this season. Even though it is early to say, today’s result could be crucial in determining who will get home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Elsewhere in the States, the second match in a seven game MLB American League Championship series between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros gets underway at Fenway Park. In Newark, the New Jersey Devils take on the San Jose Sharks in the NHL. LPGA Tour action comes from Sky 72 Golf Club in Korea, whilst on the European Tour it’s the fourth and final day of the British Masters. Further sport in the UK is on display at Hampden Park, where Scotland welcome Portugal in an International Friendly. Elsewhere in Glasgow, Saracens begin their quest for European Champions Cup glory at the Scotstoun Stadium against Glasgow Warriors. The third day of the Second Test between the West Indies and India gets underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. WTA World Tour action comes from Hong Kong, China and Austria.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ATP World Tour