Australian Open 2021: Jannik Sinner vs Denis Shapovalov, Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Two of the most exciting ATP stars will face each other in the first round of the Australian Open. Jannik Sinner and Denis Shapovalov enjoyed their pre-tournament preparations, but only one youngster will go through to the second round in this clash. Who will it be? 

Date: February 8, 2021

Arena: Margaret Court Arena

Shapovalov holds more experience and is the 11th seed in the world. On the other hand, Jannik Sinner has been truly outstanding as of late with his promising form. He won the Great Ocean Road Open, and the 19-year-old seems to be relaxed ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the tour. 

Jannik Sinner vs Denis Shapovalov: Preview

Sinner vs Shapovalov is one of the most anticipated first-round matches at the Australian Open 2021. This will also be the first meeting between the pair in the ATP circuit. Hence, the build-up is high ahead of the fixture, and it is up to the athletes to live up to the hype when they take to the court! 

This will be an exciting match that has the potential to become a five-set thriller. Shapovalov might hold an edge due to his three previous appearances at the Australian Open, but Sinner thrives in situations like these. 

Jannik Sinner is no stranger to pressure, and there is a massive challenge ahead for him at the Australian Open 2021. The first step will be to get past Shapovalov, and both players would know that it would be an uphill task. 

Jannik Sinner vs Denis Shapovalov: Head-to-Head

Sinner and Shapovalov have the quality to produce thrilling matches, and it is astounding that they’ve never played each other before. Monday’s match will mark the first-ever meeting between these two ‘Next Gen’ stars.  

Sinner vs Shapovalov: Prediction

Jannik Sinner is undeniably a dark horse at this year’s Australian Open. The Italian can elegantly graze his way through the draw, but he’d have to get past the Shapovalov challenge first. 

Denis Shapovalov would be the favorite going into this match. He has Grand Slam experience under his belt, but the Canadian would be wary of the Jannik Sinner threat. The 19-year-old Italian has been in tremendous form ever since late 2020, and he looks to be extending it further. 

Sinner is the underdog in this match and has the capacity to pull off an upset. This is a cracking first-round match at Australian Open 2021, and we predict Jannik Sinner to clinch victory in four sets. 

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