Australian Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Bernard Tomic, Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Published 02/09/2021, 1:05 PM EST

The first round of the men’s singles at the Australian Open gave us a few exciting matches. Denis Shapovalov got past the Jannik Sinner test in a grueling 5-setter, and the Canadian will face local favorite Bernard Tomic in the 2nd round.

Venue: Court 3 (Melbourne Park)

Date: February 10th, 2021

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Shapovalov had to display a consistent game to overcome his first-round challenge at the Australian Open 2021. The 21-year-old was put to a massive test by his younger opponent Jannik Sinner, and Shapovalov somehow held on for the win.

As for Tomic, the 23-year-old reached the main draw through the qualifiers, and defeated Yuichi Sugita to reach the 2nd round of the ‘Happy Slam.’

Denis Shapovalov vs Benard Tomic: Preview

Tomic and Shapovalov are players in contrasting stages of their careers. The latter is just 21 and has a long way to go, while Tomic is making his 11th appearance in the main draw.

It will be more of a mental battle when Shapovalov and Tomic take to the court on Wednesday. Shapovalov would obviously feel the fatigue after his 5-setter against Sinner and would look to keep his focus on his strengths, service games.

Tomic came through as a qualifier, and there wouldn’t be much pressure on him when compared to Shapovalov. After an emphatic 1st-round victory, the Australian would once again look to excite the crowd at Melbourne Park by putting up a good show against Shapovalov.

Denis Shapovalov vs Bernard Tomic: Head-to-Head

Tomic has been coming to the ATP tour since 2008, whereas Shapovalov turned pro only in 2016. It’s been 5 years since these 2 players have co-existed on the circuit, but have never met each other once on the court.

Their head-to-head record is level at nil, and the 2nd round of Australian Open 2021 will open the account.

Shapovalov vs Tomic: Prediction

Denis Shapovalov is the undeniable favorite to win this match. There are few reasons, with the first one being Tomic’s inconsistent. However, the Canadian was all praise for the Australian ahead of their match.

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“Honestly, he’s [Tomic’s] been a great player. He’s a really tough opponent, he’s got a great serve, he’s super solid from the back so it’s going to be a tricky match,” Shapovalov said.

There is a sense of mutual respect between the two, which is good for the sport. But only one player can advance to the 3rd round at AO, and we predict it will be Shapovalov because he’s got better groundstrokes and a strong service game.

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Prediction: Denis Shapovalov to win in straight sets

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.

Australian Open 2021: Denis Shapovalov vs Bernard Tomic, Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Denis Shapovalov vs Benard Tomic: Preview

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