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Denis Shapovalov will take on Jannik Sinner in a blockbuster first round clash at the Australian Open.
Shapovalov is currently on a six match losing streak and only competed at the ATP Cup so far in 2021, losing both his matches there – but actually playing quite solid tennis. He met Zverev and Djokovic, losing very tight duels against each of them.
Jannik Sinner is entering the Australian Open in exceptional form, having won the last two tournaments he took part in – Sofia late last year, and the Great Ocean Road Open this past week. However, fitness will be a real issue for Sinner. He will have to play this match just 24 hours after beating Travaglia in the Great Ocean Road Open final.
This will be the first H2H meeting between the two big hitting youngsters.
This will be a massive challenge for Sinner. Not only does he have to play this match 24 hours after winning his title last week, but he already looked spent in the final against Travaglia on Sunday. It was a hard tournament played in a short amount of time and he had played a thriller in the semis against Khachanov as well, showing signs of fatigue even then.
Sinner was moving with difficulty against Travaglia and he really didn’t play a very good match. He showed mental strength, which is becoming a habit for him (and the sign of a future great champion), but one could argue that Travaglia (who showed signs of fatigue himself) chocked that match away in the big moments.
Obviously, with all the technology and recovery options available this day, you can not say for sure that Sinner won’t resurrect from the dead and look completely different in this match. But it is reasonable to bet against that.
Shapovalov’s form is not encouraging at all, but I doubt matches in 2020 hold any relevance, and he looked pretty good at the ATP Cup last week despite losing both of his matches. You have to feel that a player of his caliber, in a 3 out of 5 set match, will take advantage of the circumstances and take care of Sinner here. The Italian might be the new Golden Boy of men’s tennis, but his chances look slim here.
My tip is Shapovalov to win and I recommend staking at a bookie which does not void bets in case of retirement, or only requires the 1st set to be completed for the bet to stand. Prediction: Denis Shapovalov – Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 6-1.
Pick: Shapovalov
Odds: 1.50 @ 1xBet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 5
Event date: 8 February
