ATP Dubai Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

ATP Dubai Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Denis Shapovalov will take on Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Shapovalov is currently the World no.12 on the ATP rankings while Hurkacz is the World no.35.

Match Details:

  • Date: 17th March 2021
  • Tournament: Dubai Open
  • Fixture: Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff
  • Round: Third Round
  • Venue: Dubai
  • Category:  ATP 500
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
  • Prize Money: $33,495

Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz: Preview

Denis Shapovalov

Canadian star Denis Shapovalov has had a mixed season so far. He must be wondering what is wrong with him this season, not being able to find the consistency to let him live up to the hype that is continuously behind him.

At Doha last week, he cruised in the first set of the quarter-final against Taylor Fritz before losing the match. He could not return anything properly and if he hit a second serve, you just knew he was going to lose the point. This week in Dubai, he found his rhythm early on and defeated Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening match.

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His opponent, Hubert Hurkacz of Poland has been in poor form himself this season. He lost in the opening round of the Australian Open in a five set marathon. He then lost in the Round of 16 both at Marseille and Rotterdam.

In Dubai this week, he seemed in good touch though. He defeated French veteran Richard Gasquet in straight sets 6-3,6-4.

Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz: Head-to-Head

Hubert Hurkacz

This will be the third meeting between the duo. Both of their meetings came in 2019 and Hurkacz has won both of them. He leads the H2H 2-0.

Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz: Prediction

Denis Shapovalov
Denis Shapovalov

In his opening match against Struff, the lefty got his trademark ‘jump one-handed’ backhand in place. And he would surely start favorite in the Round of 16 match.

As for the Pole, his serve will be key and if he has to get anywhere close to beating Shapovalov, he couldn’t afford to get his serve broken. But the Canadian has been returning well at it wouldn’t be easy for Hurkacz to hold serve. Expect Shapovalov to cruise easily.

Prediction: Shapovalov to win in straight sets.

Also read: ATP Dubai Open 2021: Lorenzo Sonego vs Aslan Karatsev – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction