ATP Cup 2021: Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov, Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
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Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov will clash on Day 1 of the ATP Cup. Both will be playing competitive tennis for the first time in 2021. Djokovic would like to extend his unbeaten run against the Canadian and make a solid start to help Serbia defend the ATP Cup title.
Match Details:
- Date: 1st February, 2021
- Tournament: ATP Cup 2021
- Fixture: Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov
- Round: Round Robin
- Venue: Melbourne, Australia
- Category: ATP Cup
- Surface: Outdoor Hard-Court
- Prize Money: $7,500,000
Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov: Match Preview
Djokovic last played in the ATP World Tour Finals in London in which he was beaten by Dominic Thiem in 3 sets. The match was quite competitive with 2 of the 3 sets going into the tie break. He will be looking to have a strong start here in Melbourne as such fast paced courts are favourable to the World Number 1.
World no. 12 Shapovalov last played in Sofia Open in November in which he was beaten by Radu Albot in the round of 16. Though, Shapovalov didn’t have a great run in the second half of 2020, he has improved a lot by beating the experienced players in the tour like Stanislas Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov in the latter half of 2020.
Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov: Head-to-Head
The duo has met 5 times in the past with Djokovic winning all the 5 encounters. The last time they played each other was in the ATP Cup, 2020. The World No.1 won against the Canadian in a hard fought match which went on for 3 sets. The match had gone to a tie breaker with Djokovic holding his nerve to win the match by 4-6, 6-1, 7-6. Other than the last time they met, the Serbian has won comfortably against the southpaw in all their previous encounters.
Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov: Match Prediction
Though the single-handed backhand of Shapovalov can challenge Djokovic, the Serb still has an edge to win this match. The fast paced hard courts suit Djokovic’s game and he has had a good run in the latter half of the 2020. The Serbian will be high on confidence and will look to defend the title for Serbia by starting on a winning note.
Match Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in 3 sets
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Sachit Srivastava
(133 Articles Published)