2022 ATP Cup Semi Final – Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin on and what time does it start? Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin will take place on Saturday 8th January, 2022 – not before 02:00 (UK)
Where is Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin taking place? Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin will take place in Sydney, Australia
What surface is Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin being played on? Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin
What channel is Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin on? Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Denis Shapovalov vs Roman Safiullin live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number 167 Roman Safiullin put in a huge shift as Russia’s second option but he found it understand tough against the highest-ranked second option in the tournament in world number 10 Jannik Sinner. After losing in straight sets to the Italian, though, he resumed hero status in a second-successive three-set victory in the doubles decider alongside Daniil Medvedev that saw the reigning champions through to this tough semi-final. 24-year-old Safiullin has beaten top 50 level players in Arthur Rinderknech and James Duckworth this week and he should be targeting that level for himself this season on his performances so far but world number 14 Denis Shapovalov should be another step too far. The 22-year-old has taken some warming up but he claimed a first singles win this week in three sets over Jan-Lennard Struff on Thursday and he was excellent alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime in their doubles deciding victory over Great Britain on Tuesday.
Shapovalov shines on the international stage and it took Rafael Nadal to stop him in the final of the 2019 Davis Cup Finals two years ago. Having warmed up and with plenty more to warm, he should be able to win this first meeting with Safiullin outright. The Russian has earned the right to be considered a serious threat, though.
