Rei Sakamoto vs Andrey Rublev Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | Second Round

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

Andrey Rublev takes on Rei Sakamoto 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 Rei Sakamoto vs Andrey Rublev ticket information

Rei Sakamoto vs Andrey Rublev prediction

Rei Sakamoto earned his second main draw Masters 1000 victory this season after a straight sets win over Marco Trungelliti. The Japanese player, who also had to qualify for the event, controlled the first set and overcame a 5-3 deficit in the second to complete a 6-3 7-5 victory. Sakamoto conceded just the one break point in total. He will now face Andrey Rublev.

The Russian’s form has been encouraging during the Asian swing so far. He progressed to the final of the Hangzhou Open as the second seed, losing to compatriot Daniil Medvedev. He then competed in Beijing, losing in the quarter-finals to Alex de Minaur despite winning the first set. Rublev is a former finalist at this event, losing to Hubert Hurkacz in 2023.

It has been a disappointing season overall for Rublev, but his results are beginning to improve, and he should have too much firepower for Sakamoto in this encounter.

Rei Sakamoto vs Andrey Rublev tip: Andrey Rublev to win 2-0