Arthur Fils vs Pavel Kotov Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | Second Round

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Arthur Fils takes on Pavel Kotov in the second-round of the Shanghai Masters.

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 9 October 2026 at 4:00 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 Arthur Fils vs Pavel Kotov ticket information

Arthur Fils vs Pavel Kotov prediction

Arthur Fils competed at the Japan Open last week, advancing to the quarter-finals after a win over Frances Tiafoe in a rematch of the Cincinnati final. However, despite going a break up in the deciding set, he would lose in three to Valentin Vacherot. Fils suffered a surprise first-round exit at the US Open to Stefanos Tsitsipas, but he has been very consistent in the best of three format this season. He won his first Masters title and also progressed to the semi-finals in Miami and Madrid. 

The Frenchman received a bye in round one and now goes up against Pavel Kotov after his win over Tallon Griekspoor. Kotov conceded just the one break point, winning 6-4 7-6 (4) after one hour and 33 minutes. That makes it three straight victories for the 27-year-old, including qualifying.

These two faced each other in the first-round of this event three years ago, with a 19-year-old Fils winning 6-1 6-4. He has improved considerably as a player since then and should be capable of securing another straight sets victory. 

Arthur Fils vs Pavel Kotov tip: Under 20.5 games