2021 Italian Open Round of 16 – Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Thursday 13th May, 2021 – Not before 13:00 (UK)
What surface is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
Almost four years ago Denis Shapovalov broke onto the world stage with a three-set defeat of Rafael Nadal at the Canadians’ native Rogers Cup as a teenager and in many ways the now 22-year-old has been trying to live up to that feat since. Shapovalov has always had a taste for the low-percentage shot and his raw talent makes him a great watch but as he nears the age at which he is no longer considered the “next gen” he desperately needs to focus his game into a more reliable weapon. Nonetheless, this round of 16 meeting with world number three Rafael Nadal has all the hallmarks of a classic of the Canadian is on song. Nadal was part of an incredible battle with 19-year-old Jannik Sinner on Wednesday night and still managed to scrape through in straight sets as he rose to the occasion. The Spaniard is still not quite where he would want to be by this point in May but he should have enough to beat Shapovalov for a third time. It should be two sets to Nadal but there is a history here for Shapovalov that makes this a wildcard of a match. Take the Spaniard to win outright and watch what could be a thriller.
