Australian Open Live: Novak Djokovic vs. Denis Shapovalov in the Betway Match of the Day
Will the six-time champion make it to the round of 16 of the Australian Open 2019 on Saturday (Rod laver Arena, not before 4:30 p.m. CET, live on Eurosport and in our live ticker)? Novak Djokovic is definitely the clear favorite against Denis Shapovalov in the Betway Match of the Day.
by tennisnet
last edit: Jan 18, 2019, 05:30 pm
In 2017 Denis Shapovalov took the tennis world by storm. The semi-finals in Montréal, then the run at the US Open - Shapovalov was on everyone's lips, not only because of his extroverted appearance, but also the fast-paced style of playing had appealed to the tennis fans. It is not for nothing that the second season on the tour is considered the most difficult, an experience that the still 19-year-old Canadian had to have.
The opponents now know what to do, experienced coaches report. Most opponents would have been better prepared for Shapovalov's approach to the tennis court. The fact that he still finished 2018 among the top 30 players in the world speaks even more for the qualities of Shapovalov.
Defeats against Zverev and Khachanov
The qualities of Novak Djokovic have long been undisputed, on the large scorecard of success in the tennis circus there are no vacancies for Serbs. Djokovic has not been reviewed at the Australian Open yet, neither by Mitchell Krueger nor by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the reissue of the 2008 final.
However, the record against Denis Shapovalov is undescribed - the teenager and the 31-year-old industry leader have never faced each other. In general, Djokovic rarely gets involved in a match at eye level against hopeful young talent. The tournament favorite has suffered two of his last three losses against players from the Shapovalov generation: in Paris-Bercy against Karen Khachanov and at the ATP Finals in London against Alexander Zverev. However, in best-of-three matches. Over the Grand Slam distance, Novak Djokovic must be considered a clear favorite.