2021 Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Third Place – Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal will take place on Saturday 18th December, 2021 – not before 13:00 (UK)
Where is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal will take place at the International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE
What surface is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal
What channel is Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal on? Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal live on Sky Go, while the Eurosport website and app can also be used in addition to discovery+
THE PREDICTION
This match-up will forever be a spectacle simply because of the first meeting between a then 18-year-old Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal at the Canadian Open back in 2017, where the teenager claimed what is in many ways still the best result of his young career with a three-set victory. Now 22 years old, Shapovalov made the semi-finals of Wimbledon earlier this year with lights-out tennis that is sure to bring him more than just the one current ATP title to his name but the Canadian lacks consistency more than most on that tour. That makes him hugely unpredictable, so taking Rafael Nadal to win at least a set as the wholly more consistent champion seems a suitably cautious pick here. The Spaniard played well against Andy Murray on his first match back since August but some rustiness and occasional second-guessing that will pass very soon may still be around for this blockbuster.
