Denis Shapovalov vs. Borna Coric Prediction: Borna Coric to Win in 3 Sets

Denis Shapovalov, world No. 22, will face Borna Coric in the 2022 Japan Open quarterfinals on Friday.

Shapovalov defeated Steve Johnson 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the first round to go to the second round against qualifier Rio Noguchi. In the first part of the opening set, the two were neck and neck. The Canadian then took the set after winning four consecutive games.

Shapovalov maintained his momentum in the second set, racing to a 5-0 lead in no time. Noguchi ended his hot streak with a serve hold to make it 5-1. The 23-year-old then comfortably wrapped off the match, winning 6-3, 6-1.

Shapovalov has already reached the quarterfinals of a tournament six times this season.

Boric Coric upset Thanasi Kokkinakis, the 2022 Australian Open doubles champion, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the first round. In the second round, he faced Brandon Nakashima.

For the most of the opening set, the two were evenly matched. Coric got the key break in the 11th game, then served out the set to take the lead. He subsequently increased his level much farther from this point on.

Coric earned an early break of serve to lead the second set 2-0. Nakashima was unable to make any progress in this set, falling farther behind. The Croat increased his advantage to 5-1 by breaking his opponent's serve again again.

Coric won the match 7-5, 6-2 to go to his third quarterfinal appearance of the year.

Both have performed well in Tokyo thus far, and the forthcoming battle appears to be well balanced. However, with his more steady style of play, Coric should be able to absorb Shapovalov's firepower and emerge triumphant, but the Canadian cannot be totally counted out.

• Total Under 24.5 for 1.81
• Handiсap Denis Shapovalov (+1.5) for 1.87
• Individual Total 2 Under 13 for 1.832