Denis Shapoalov is slowly but surely finding his best tennis after a complicated stint in 2019. After Miami, the Canadian was barely able to win a match in the following 11 tournaments. Things started to get better as soon as the Canadian partnered with Mikhail Youzhny that has been serving as his coach. Denis reached the semifinals in Winston-Salem and Chengdu. Furthermore, he got to the 3rd round at the US Open after losing a magnificent battle against an in-form Gael Monfils.
Shapovalov vs. Djokovic in Shanghai
Denis had a great start of his campaign at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, where he defeated his dear friend Frances Tiafoe in straight sets (6-4 6-2) to set up an intriguing clash against Novak Djokovic.
During a recent interview, Denis didn’t hide his confidence to stop the world no.1 and comment:
“He’s beaten me twice so there’s not much for me to lose, so I’ll just go out there and enjoy myself. I’ll go out there and give it all I have. It’s going to be a tough one, but I have a great game, and I think I have a chance to beat him.”
Djokovic vs. Nadal for the world no.1 rank
Novak is recovering from a shoulder injury that has hampered his chances to defend the US Open title. Eventually, the world no.1 withdrew in New York in the 4th round against Sta Wawrinka. However, after a prolonged break, Novak was back to competitions in Tokyo where he conquered the prestigious ATP500 without dropping a single set.
Djokovic needs to perform well in Shanghai to bridge a 1460 points gap in the year to date rankings against Rafael Nadal that is leading that log. The Spaniard was unfit to compete in China, and therefore if Djokovic defends his title in Shanghai, he will have only a 460 points deficit versus the Mallorcan.
Shapovalov in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.36, Shapovalov has a 25-22 win-loss record in 2019. The Canadian is now competing in Shanghai, where he defeated Frances Tiafoe 6-4 6-2.
Denis will fight against Djokovic in the 2nd round. The head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic.
The last time that they competed against each other, Djokovic won 6-1 6-3 in the 2nd round in Rome in 16th May 2019.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Now ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 6th of October when he defeated John Millman 6-3 6-2 in the final in Tokyo to win his 76th career title.
This year the Serbian has a 46-8 win-loss record. Novak conquered 4 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid, in Wimbledon, and in Tokyo. Novak was the finalist in Rome.
Denis Shapovalov and Novak Djokovic played each other 2 times. The head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic.
The last time that they squared off, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-3 in the 2nd round in Rome in 16th May 2019.
Denis Shapovalov and Novak Djokovic |
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