Sho Shimabukuro vs Roman Safiullin Preview & Prediction | 2026 Almaty Open | First Round

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Roman Safiullin faces Sho Shimabukuro in round one of the Almaty Open. 

Ranking points: ATP 250

Start date/time: 20 October 2026 at 7:00 am

Venue: Almaty Arena, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Surface: Indoor 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 Sho Shimabukuro vs Roman Safiullin ticket information

Sho Shimabukuro vs Roman Safiullin prediction

Sho Shimabukuro was unable to generate any momentum during the Asian swing, with three losses out of three. The Japanese player failed to win a set across all of those matches, with the latest being a comprehensive defeat to Denis Shapovalov at the Shanghai Masters. His best tour-level result of the season was at the Stuttgart Open, as he advanced to the quarter-finals despite needing to qualify for the event. 

He will play Roman Safiullin in the first-round of the Almaty Open. The Russian enters the main draw as a qualifier. His recent form has been more encouraging, with the main highlight being a semi-final appearance at the Hangzhou Open, with his run ending against former world number one Daniil Medvedev. He also defeated world number six Flavio Cobolli at the China Open.

Safiullin is finding his rhythm at the moment, and he should be able to dominate with his heavy ball-striking in these conditions.

Sho Shimabukuro vs Roman Safiullin tip: Roman Safiullin to win