2021 ATP Cup Group A – Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov on and what time does it start? Wednesday 3rd February, 2021 – Not before 00:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
ALEXANDER ZVEREV
- Alexander Zverev reached his first Grand Slam final in 2020 but fell apart at two sets to love up over Dominic Thiem in shocking fashion and the German has plenty of work to do in 2021.
- · There was, however, something of a renaissance period for the world number seven after that disappointment as he went on to win back-to-back ATP titles in Cologne and lost in three sets in the Paris Masters final.
DENIS SHAPOVALOV
- · 21-year-old Denis Shapovalov looked in good shape in his first match of the year although against Novak Djokovic that still resulted in a straight-sets defeat to see Team Serbia level the tie at 1-1.
- · The world number 12 lost to Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic in the deciding doubles alongside Milos Raonic but that doubles partnership could prove key if this tie goes to a decider.
THE PREDICTION
The way that Denis Shapovalov was beaten by Novak Djokovic speaks volumes for his chances here in Alexander Zverev’s first match of 2021. Djokovic was made to play near his best early-on and throughout and just two breaks of serve saw a respectable 7-5, 7-5 result that does not embarrass the young Canadian at all. Zverev was in fine form late last year, though he tailed off at the year-end ATP Finals, and he has already spoken of how he wants to perform better for his country after some lacklustre displays over the past few seasons. He leads Shapovalov 3-2 in their head-to-head record but the younger man has won the last two matches including at this stage of last year’s ATP Cup. Shapovalov came through in straight-sets last year and looks able to bring that H2H record up to 3-3 here, although Zverev will likely force a decider this time around. The pressure to perform for Germany should tell eventually, particularly as Milos Raonic will probably have made it 1-0 to Team Canada already.
