Alex de Minaur vs Rei Sakamoto Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | Third Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Alex de Minaur takes on Rei Sakamoto in Shanghai. 

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 11 October 2026 at 6:00 am

Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Alex de Minaur vs Rei Sakamoto ticket information

Alex de Minaur vs Rei Sakamoto prediction

Alex de Minaur was handed a walkover at the Shanghai Masters after his second-round opponent Alex Molcan withdrew from the tournament. There are already fitness concerns surrounding De Minaur, as he was forced to retire in the final of the China Open against Novak Djokovic after struggling with an adductor issue. He reached the quarter-finals of this event last year.

He now faces Rei Sakamoto. The Japanese player picked up back-to-back main draw Masters 1000 victories for the first time in his career after getting past former world number five Andrey Rublev in straight sets. This was the biggest win of Sakamoto’s career. 

De Minaur has revealed that he is feeling better than expected during practice in Shanghai, despite acknowledging that he is still dealing with a physical issue. Sakamoto will look to test his fitness, but the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form in recent weeks and should still be considered the firm favourite.  

Alex de Minaur vs Rei Sakamoto tip: Under 23.5 games