Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Wimbledon Championships
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THE FACTS
When is Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov on and what time does it start? Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on Sunday 9th July, 2023 – not before 13:05 (UK)
Where is Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov taking place? Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England
What surface is Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov being played on? Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on an outdoor grass court
Where can I get tickets for Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov
What channel is Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov on in the UK? Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov will be televised live on BBC platforms as well as Eurosport
Where can I stream Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov in the UK? Roman Safiullin vs Denis Shapovalov can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app, while subscribers can stream the match on Eurosport platforms
THE LOWDOWN
ROMAN SAFIULLIN
25-year-old Roman Safiullin will break the top 60 on tour for the first time after enjoying his best run at a Grand Slam so far. The Russian overcame a fatigued Guido Pella in straight sets on Friday to back-up an assured victory over Corentin Moutet in the second round, allowing him extra time to recover from his five-set epic upset over Roberto Bautista Agut. Safiullin was a junior number one but he has only really started to establish himself on tour since the start of 2022, where he helped Russia to the ATP Cup semi-finals.
DENIS SHAPOVALOV
World number 29 Denis Shapovalov came back from a set down to overcome an impressive Liam Broady on Friday, serving 14 aces and 14 double faults in a scrappy performance. The 24-year-old reached the semi-finals here in 2021 before defeat to eventual champion Novak Djokovic but he brought very little form into SW19 this summer, with a 10-12 record far from satisfactory for a player of his talent. Shapovalov has not lost in the round of 16 at a major since his first second week reached at the US Open in 2017, suggesting that if he can find a way through the first few rounds he does eventually improve, with three quarter-finals reached since.
THE PREDICTION
This match looks a strong candidate for five sets on Sunday between a mercurial maverick in Denis Shapovalov and the talented but enigmatic Roman Safiullin. Shapovalov leads the Russian 2-0 in their head-to-head after halting Safiullin’s heroic efforts at the ATP Cup last season in three sets and beating him again in Australia at Adelaide 1 back in January. Safiullin, though, is wily enough to know when to pounce here against the Canadian’s incredible but vulnerable lefty serve. If Shapovalov serves to the best of his ability the Canadian can come through but sets should go both ways here with anything less. Back Safiullin to earn at least a set as the just-about likelier of two very capable winners and consider adding at least a tiebreak. Otherwise, consider a one-off on five here.
