Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal: Waiting for another sensation from Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov, the opener of the first Majors of the season, will meet Rafael Nadal, the fifth racket of the world and one of the leading contenders for the title in Melbourne, in the quarterfinal the tournament. The opponents have met six times in the tour, but Denis is not losing to the Spaniard.

Shapovalov's winning streak has now lasted seven matches in a row. After a triumphant ATP Cup, beating Struff, Safiullin and Carreno Busta, Denis came to Melbourne, where he was stronger than Laslo Dere, Kwon Soon-woo, Opelka and Zverev. In the first three rounds, Shapovalov lost four sets. However, Denis won 3:0 against the world's third-ranked player in only 2 hours and 24 minutes. The Canadian was able to beat the German thanks to his quality serve.

Many experts were sceptical about Nadal's chances in Melbourne before the start of AO-2022. They say the Spaniard is no longer the same, but Nadal is already in the quarterfinals and favourite to play against Shapovalov. Nadal has been in Melbourne for quite some time. He has won the tournament before the AO, beating Cressi in the final, another Majors opening. In the AO main draw, Rafael was stronger than Giron, Hanfmann, Khachanov and Mannarino, losing only one set in that time.

Nadal and Shapovalov last played each other in December 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Denis won that match, 6:7, 6:3, 10:6. Someone will say Nadal has improved since then, and they'd be right. However, the same can be said of Shapovalov because Denis has already beaten Nadal twice in Abu Dhabi and Montreal. We believe the Canadian is underestimated. Shapovalov is not afraid of the Spaniard. Denis is at the peak of his form, so we expect a fight from the Canadian. We suggest betting on this match: Handicap 1 (4.5) for 1.95, W1 for 3.20, Correct score 3:2 for 8.5.