Rinky Hijikata vs Roman Safiullin Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | First Round

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Rinky Hijikata takes on Roman Safiullin in the first-round of the Shanghai Masters. 

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 7 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 Rinky Hijikata vs Roman Safiullin ticket information

Rinky Hijikata vs Roman Safiullin prediction

Rinky Hijikata failed to qualify for the Japan Open last time out after a defeat to former world number three and two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. His most impressive result of the campaign was a run to the round-of-16 at Indian Wells, as he beat the likes of Luciano Darderi and Alexander Bublik. The Australian also progressed to the last eight at Queen’s Club.

He will play Roman Safiullin in round one. Safiullin has already produced some impressive results during the Asian swing, having got through to the semi-finals of the Hangzhou Open after three straight wins, before a loss to compatriot Daniil Medvedev. He began the China Open in brilliant fashion, easily defeating Flavio Cobolli, though he lost in the next round to Andrey Rublev.

Safiullin has the bigger weapons to his game compared to Hijikata, and he could be the player who dictates on this fast surface.

Rinky Hijikata vs Roman Safiullin tip: Roman Safiullin to win