The grass swing has finally come to an end and we have a brief meeting with the dirt once again. While it is time for the players to prepare themselves for another shift to clay, many have decided to skip that and focus on hard courts now. Denis Shapovalov, fresh from his third-round defeat at Wimbledon, is all set to start his run in Atlanta.

His first showdown is set to be against David Goffin, a player who has already crossed paths with the Canadian many times. Who among the two competitors is on the heavier side on hard courts? Let’s find out!

David Goffin vs Denis Shapovalov: Preview

David Goffin

Currently ranked at no. 98, David Goffin is set to begin his campaign in Atlanta after his last appearance at Wimbledon. He had to incur a tough loss in the first round against Machac. Looking at his stats for the ongoing season, Goffin has a solid 29-19 win-loss record, including a 9-5 record on hard courts. His best performance this season was the title at the Ilkley Challenger, where he defeated Harold Mayot in the final, with a score of 6-4, 6-2.

The Belgian player has gathered an impressive 630-369 overall record throughout his career. With a positive 211-133 record on hard courts, this will be Goffin’s first time competing in the Atlanta tournament. Taking a deeper dive into his digits for the ongoing season, the tennis star was able to hit 20 aces, extending his first serve accuracy to 60%.

Spectators in Atlanta will be eager to see how he performs in this new setting and if he can bring the same level of success he’s shown in previous matches this year.

Denis Shapovalov

Ranked no. 139, Denis Shapovalov directly walks in from Wimbledon, where he lost a close battle in the third round against Shelton. The Canadian ATP pro has a 14-17 win-loss record in the ongoing season, with a 3-5 record on hard courts. In his career so far, Shapovalov has an overall 290-199 record, with a positive 127-84 record on hard courts. Looking at the stats, the ATP star boasts an efficient 58% first-serve numbers in which he secured 109 aces throughout the 8 matches played on the surface.

Goffin vs Shapovalov: Head-to-head

David Goffin and Denis Shapovalov will face each other for the third time in Atlanta, with their head-to-head record tied at 1-1. Both of their previous matches were played on hard courts, nd their record on this surface is also 1-1.

The last time they played was at the 2020 U.S. Open, where Shapovalov won in four sets with a score of 6-7(0), 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. This upcoming match will be a chance for both players to take the lead in their rivalry.

Prediction: Shapovalov to win in straight sets

A stronger serve has always proved to be the secret behind consistent campaigns on hard courts. Denis Shapovalov’s powerful serve and aggressive playing style can help him put a lot of pressure on Goffin. In his first serves itself, the Canadian has won 64% of the overall points throughout the matches played on hard courts this season. Besides that, Shapovalov’s backhand, which is considered to be one of the strongest in the ATP line, also provides him with a better edge in the upcoming showdown.

His left-handed shots and wide angles can also prove to be productive, limiting Goffin’s return game. Along with that, Shapovalov’s strong return game means he can challenge Goffin’s serves effectively, turning down his rival’s chances to secure a win. Because of these advantages and a better grip on this surface, Shapovalov is expected to win the match in straight sets.