Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov – Third Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov on and what time does it start? Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on Friday 21st January, 2022 – not before 02:30 (UK)
Where is Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov taking place? Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov being played on? Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov
What channel is Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov on in the UK? Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Reilly Opelka vs Denis Shapovalov live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
REILLY OPELKA
World number 29 Reilly Opelka is quietly getting business done so far at the Australian Open with two straight-sets victories over tough foes in Kevin Anderson and Dominik Koepfer. The 24-year-old is more than just his big serve but 41 aces in six sets so far and only five double faults is hugely encouraging, as his excellent record in tiebreaks. Opelka made the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters last season and the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time at the US Open.
DENIS SHAPOVALOV
22-year-old Denis Shapovalov was wasteful in a five set tussle with Soonwoo Kwon on Wednesday, making it nine sets played already in Melbourne. The world number 14 has bundles of energy but he must dial in more moving forward with less chances to come back from messing up here on in. Last season’s stunning run to the Wimbledon semi-finals is what the Canadian is capable of but after so many years at the top of the game one ATP title from the 2019 Stockholm Open is not enough from the talented youngster.
THE PREDICTION
A first tour-level meeting between these two powerhouses can offer up a useful alternative to picking a winner in the form of tiebreaks. There have been at least one in each of their Australian open matches so far, in Shapovalov’s case five already, so taking this match to see at least two between two of the best servers on tour should come through. As for the result, Reilly Opelka has looked rock solid so far in Melbourne and the conditions seem to suit his game better than Shapovalov’s but the big occasion on Margaret Court Arena will almost certainly see the Canadian’s level rise. Shapovalov should win, could win, but Opelka can take at least two sets either way.
