ATP Dubai Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

ATP Dubai Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Denis Shapovalov will take on Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Shapovalov is currently the World no.12 on the ATP rankings while Struff is the World no.39.

Match Details:

  • Date: 16th March 2021
  • Tournament: Dubai Open
  • Fixture: Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff
  • Round: Second Round
  • Venue: Dubai
  • Category:  ATP 500
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
  • Prize Money: $33,495

Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff: Preview

Denis Shapovalov

Canadian 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.

Consider Doha last week, where 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.

His opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff put on a very clinical performance in the first round, knocking out the Kazakh qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin in straight sets 6-3/6-2.

But the German has had a terrible last month. He was knocked out in the first round at the Australian Open, the ATP 500 Rotterdam event and the Open 13 event in Marseille.

Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff: Head-to-Head

Jan-Lennard Struff

This will be their sixth meeting. Struff leads the H2H 4-1. The German has won the last 4 meeting between the duo, last being at Cincinnati 2020.

Denis Shapovalov vs Jan-Lennard Struff: Prediction

Denis Shapovalov
Denis Shapovalov

Shapovalov will fancy his chances against Struff and would want to forget his last week match and get back on track. The lefty will want to get his trademark ‘jump one-handed’ backhand in place.

Struff had a dominant first round outing and moved pretty well on court. He would want to capitalize on his performance and give a tough fight to the Canadian. But Shapovalov might just be too much for Struff. Expect him to cruise comfortably.

Prediction: Shapovalov to win in straight sets.

Also read: ATP Dubai Open 2021: Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Bublik – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction