ATP 250 Stuttgart Open: Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez Preview, Head to Head and Prediction for Mercedes Cup
Follow Us
1st-seed Denis Shapovalov will be returning to the Tour after overcoming a lingering shoulder injury to take on veteran Feliciano Lopez in a second round contest at the ATP 250 Stuttgart Open 2021. Shapovalov will look to return to his best of form as soon as possible as the Wimbledon is really near, beginning from 28th June.
Match Details:
| Tournament | ATP Stuttgart Open 2021 |
| Match | Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez |
| Round | Second Round |
| Date | 10th June, 2021 |
| Prize Money | $21,994 (INR 16,04,803 approx.) |
| Venue | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Surface | Grass Court |
Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez: Preview
Shapovalov has got a bye in the opening round in Stuttgart. The 22-year old Canadian’s last major tournament was the ATP Geneva Open 2021, where he lost in the final in straight sets to Casper Ruud 6-7, 4-6. Since then, the World No.14 has been sidelined due to the shoulder injury, which even forced him to withdraw from the French Open 2021.
On the other hand, Lopez started the proceedings in fine fashion by outclassing Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4 in the first round. The 39-year old Spaniard came a cropper at Roland Garros as he failed to even cross the first hurdle, losing out to Federico Coria in straight sets 3-6, 6-7, 2-6.
Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez: Head to Head
Their meeting at the Mercedes Cup will be their first, as the two players are yet to face each other on the ATP circuit. So the head-to-head record currently stands deadlocked at 0-0.
Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez: Prediction
It is safe to say that at 39, Lopez is not getting any younger and the retirement is coming sooner than later. Being in the twilight of career and still well inside the top-100 is a commendable effort for Spaniard and he can now play full throttle in whichever tournament he participates. Moreover, it may be a fierce battle as it is rare in tennis to see two left-handers playing against each other in the same match. Nevertheless, Shapovalov should emerge victorious in this encounter, assuming that he has fully recovered from his troubling shoulder niggle.
Match Prediction: Denis Shapovalov defeats Feliciano Lopez in a hard-fought two-set contest, subject to Shapovalov’s fitness.
Also read: Novak Djokovic becomes the 2nd man to qualify for 40 Grand Slam semi-finals
Stay Updated!
Kushagra Gupta
(349 Articles Published)