Frances Tiafoe vs Denis Shapovalov Prediction & Betting Tips - Toronto, Canada

Prediction published on 11/08/2021, 09:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 11/08/2021 at 11:07 in ATP Toronto Predictions

Denis Shapovalov is the fifth seed for the National Bank Open tournament. He takes on lucky loser Frances Tiafoe in the second round with the winner facing either John Millman or 11th seeded Gael Monfils in the last 16. Shapovalov is ranked 10th in the world but would have to win this tournament to go above ninth ranked Roger Federer. In terms of ranking points earned this year, the Canadian is in 12th place. Shapovalov climbed up the rankings after reaching the semi-finals at both the cinch championships and  Wimbledon.  His next tournament didn't go so well as he lost to then world number 249 Vit Kopriva on clay in Gstaad. He's reached one final this year losing to Casper Ruud in the Geneva clay court championships. 

Frances Tiafoe has already lost one match in this tournament.  He was the top seed in the qualifying rounds but after beating J J Wolf in three sets, he lost to Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets. It looked as if his tournament was over but withdrawals saw him become a lucky loser and go into the main draw. He's made the most of his reprieve and beat Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round 6-4 6-3. Tiafoe is the world number 52 and in June had success on grass winning a Challenger tour event in Nottingham and getting to the last eight of the cinch championship where he lost to Shapovalov. Recent form hasn't been great with only the second round made at the Olympics, a loss to Jenson Brooksby in Washington last week and then the defeat by Russuvuori. Go for Shapovalov to get the win here.