Acapulco 2023: Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Mexican Open
Match Details
Fixture: (3) Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov
Date: March 1, 2023.
Tournament: Mexican Open 2023.
Round: Second Round (Round of 16).
Venue: Acapulco, Mexico.
Category: ATP 500.
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt.
Prize money: $2,013,940.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | Canada - TSN.
Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov preview
Third seed Taylor Fritz will face Denis Shapovalov in the second round of the Mexican Open in Acapulco on Wednesday.
Fritz has had a pretty good start to the 2023 season, with 12 wins out of 15 matches so far. The American's performances have resulted in him reaching the top 5 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career.
Fritz helped the United States win the United Cup, where he won four out of five singles matches. These included the fixture against Matteo Berrettini that sealed victory for the Americans.
He won his first title of the season at the Delray Beach Open, where he beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-0, 5-7, 6-2 in the final. Fritz entered the Mexican Open seeded third and booked his place in the second round with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over compatriot John Isner.
Denis Shapovalov started his 2023 season at the Adelaide International, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. The Canadian then competed at the Australian Open and made it to the third round where Hubert Hurkacz beat him 7-6(3), 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 in a thrilling encounter.
He then suffered opening-round exits at the Dallas Open and Delray Beach Open, losing to Wu Yibing and Michael Mmoh, respectively.
Shapovalov then entered the Mexican Open in Acapulco and faced Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round. The Serb won the opening set via tiebreak but the Canadian roared back in the second and won it 6-0. He then took the third set 7-5 to book his place in the second round of the ATP 500 event.
Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov head-to-head
Shapovalov leads 5-2 in the head-to-head against Fritz. The last meeting between the two came in the second round of last season's Erste Bank Open in Vienna, which the Canadian won 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov odds
All odds are sourced from BETMGM.
Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov prediction
Fritz has looked in good form lately and will enter the match as the favorite to win. However, Shapovalov is a talented player who can give the American a run for his money, if he is at his best.
Fritz was very strong on his first serve during his match against Isner, winning 47 out of 55 points. However, his second serve was a little shaky as he won only 11 out of 28 points. He also hit 23 winners while accumulating 16 unforced errors.
The American will look to be aggressive from the start and attack with his forehand to put pressure on his opponent. His stamina and on-court movement will no doubt be very useful in handling Shapovalov.
The Canadian put in a gritty performance to beat Kecmanovic in the first round. He did hit 26 unforced errors but his winner count was much higher at 46. Shapovalov has a strong one-handed backhand and will heavily rely on it. He will have to bring on his A-game if he is to beat the World No. 5.
Shapovalov has the head-to-head lead and beat Fritz in their previous encounter. However, the American's current run of form should see him get the better of the Canadian and reach the quarterfinals of the Mexican Open.