2021 ATP Cup Group A – Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov on and what time does it start? Tuesday 2nd February, 2021 – Not before 00:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
- Novak Djokovic ended the unique situation of 2020 as the year-end world number one for a sixth time in his illustrious career and won four titles, including extending his own record at the Australian Open by winning his eighth title there.
- · The 33-year-old was unstoppable this time last year and almost single-handedly won the first ATP Cup for Serbia with six wins in the singles and two doubles wins, including the tournament decider against Spain.
DENIS SHAPOVALOV
- Denis Shapovalov flattered to deceive in a disrupted 2020 season with a 17-15 record to show for it and the Canadian must improve on consistency and focus this season as his contemporaries improve.
- · The 21-year-old Canadian enjoyed the restart, reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open and semi-finals in Rome and St. Petersburg but he lost four straight matches to end 2020.
THE PREDICTION
World number one Novak Djokovic leads a 5-0 head-to-head record over Denis Shapovalov, with their last meeting taking place at this very tournament in an excellent three-set quarter-final. The young Canadian took the first set that day but that was just one of two he has won off the Serb in five matches. With neither player able to get much match practice in before this clash it could be an interesting opening set but in the likelihood that Dusan Lajovic fails to beat Milos Raonic in the first match between Serbia and Canada, Djokovic will be able to turn it on when it counts to win the tie. It is difficult to suggest straight sets here considering their previous match here last year, so perhaps a Djokovic win and a tiebreak in the match could be an alternative option.
