So we've reached the last sixteen stage at the Shanghai Masters 1000 and the stakes couldn't be higher for some. The race to London is heating up and a number of players competing tomorrow are still in the hunt for a place at the end of year championships. A win tomorrow will mean a quarter final place and some vital points to add to their tallies as the season draws to a close. For those already qualified the battle for the top spot in the rankings means that Djokovic, Federer and Murray aren't short of motivation as they look to end the year in good form. So on now to the action and let's see how the order of play is shaping up.
First up tomorrow is the clash of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marcos Baghdatis after both had impressive wins today. Tsonga won comfortably against compatriot Benoit Paire while Baghdatis had a great win over Milos Raonic after three tie-breaks. This match promises to be entertaining as both players play with their hearts on their sleeves and give 100% every time they step out on to the court. With Tsonga looking to take advantage of Ferrer and Del Potro's absences this week I would expect him to get through this match in two tight sets similar to their meeting in Dubai earlier this year. Tsonga in two.
The next match is that between Feliciano Lopez and Novak Djokovic. Lopez had a good win over Philip Kohlschreiber today and that will give him confidence heading into this one but Djokovic is playing some great tennis lately. Since getting back on to the hard courts in August Djokovic has been steadily returning to the devastating form he showed last year. He completely destroyed Grigor Dimitrov today and I would expect him to do the same to Lopez. Djokovic in two quick sets.
The next match is a very interesting clash between Andy Murray and Aleksandr Dolgopolov. Murray received a walk over today and so we haven't seen him yet this week and that might give Dolgopolov more of a chance. The Ukrainian was very impressive today against Simon and he won't fear playing Murray. Again though I would have to question the consistency of Dolgopolov. I've seen him push the very best in matches before but he hasn't shown he can win against the best. Tomorrow is a chance for him but I would expect Murray to wear him down and get the win. Murray in three.
World number one Roger Federer will face compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka for a place in the quarter finals in the final match on Stadium Court. Wawrinka is a one of those players looking for a strong result here to boost his chances of making it to London but he has his work cut out to progress further here. He only has one win over Federer and that was back in 2009 and he has failed to win a set off Roger in their last five meetings. This one should be closer however, with so much at stake for Stanislas. Federer was a convincing winner today in his first match for nearly a month and I think this one will be close but Federer to prevail.
The Grandstand Court has got four quality matches tomorrow starting with the match between Sam Querrey and Tomas Berdych. Querrey was a surprise winner against Kei Nishikori today but in Berdych he faces a man in form. The Czech star has rediscovered his form and I think he could be a contender for the title this week. He impressed today against Andreas Seppi and he has already beaten Querrey twice in the last few months. I think Berdych will take this one in two sets.
Next up on this court is Radek Stepanek and John Isner. Stepanek took advantage of a disappointing performance from Gasquet to reach this stage. I think Isner is a man who will be disappointed with how his season fared out after a promising start. He is one to watch at the Grand Slams next season and I wouldn't put it past him to make an impact here and in Paris. His mentality against Anderson on Sunday was impressive coming through in three tie breaks. The opportunity to play in London will drive him to be at his best and he should beat Stepanek tomorrow to even out there head to head record. Isner in two.
Marin Cilic is also looking to reach London and in his way of a quarter final spot is Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco has an outside chance of making it to London but it would require him to win at least one Masters event before the year is out. Cilic has a much more realistic chance of making it and with that in mind tomorrow I would expect to see Cilic playing somewhere near his best. Verdasco is a dangerous player though and it would be easy underestimate him for his inconsistency but he does have a winning record against Cilic and I think he might extend that in this one. Verdasco in three.
The final match of the round of sixteen is the match between Janko Tipsarevic and Tommy Haas. This match contains two London hopefuls and that should raise the stakes of this one. Tipsarevic beat Victor Troicki today comfortably while Haas won the battle of the veterans beating Tommy Robredo in straight sets. Tipsy has been great this season and having established himself in the top ten he will be looking to end his year with an appearance in London. Haas has feint hopes of making it himself and I think he firmly believes he can beat anyone and that makes him so dangerous playing the top players. He has a winning record against Tipsarevic and I think he will upset the odds to extend it tomorrow. Haas in three.
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