Tommy Paul vs Valentin Vacherot Preview & Prediction | 2026 Shanghai Masters | Third Round

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

Tommy Paul faces defending champion Valentin Vacherot in the third-round of the Shanghai Masters. 

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 12 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 Tommy Paul vs Valentin Vacherot ticket information

Tommy Paul vs Valentin Vacherot prediction

Tommy Paul began his Shanghai Masters campaign with a straight sets win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. The American was on the end of a heavy defeat to Alejandro Tabilo in the opening round of the Japan Open last week, but he was in control of this match, easily winning 6-2 6-2 after one hour and 16 minutes. He will now be aiming to reach the round-of-16 at the event for the third time in his career.

His next opponent is Valentin Vacherot. The Monegasque began the defence of his title with a win over Sebastian Baez. Vacherot was broken when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, with Baez forcing a tiebreak, but he would go on to win the final four points in a 6-4 7-6 (3) win.

Paul possesses the defensive qualities to frustrate Vacherot, but the latter’s record at this event cannot be overlooked, and he will be difficult to stop if he continued to serve effectively.

Tommy Paul vs Valentin Vacherot tip: Both players to win a set