Belgrade Open 2024: Denis Shapovalov vs Jiri Lehecka preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (Q) Denis Shapovalov vs (4) Jiri Lehecka
Date: 8 November, 2024
Tournament: Belgrade Open 2024
Round: Semifinals
Venue: Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hardcourt (Indoor)
Prize Money: $815629
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK | Canada - TSN
Denis Shapovalov vs Jiri Lehecka preview
Denis Shapovalov is set to face fourth seed Jiri Lehecka in a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2024 Belgrade Open on Friday, November 8.
Shapovalov arrived in Belgrade following a disappointing quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. Entering the tournament through qualifiers, he navigated past Constant Lestienne and Hugo Grenier, both in straight sets, to secure a spot in the main draw.
In his opener, Shapovalov overcame a tough test from Hungarian veteran Marton Fucsovics, eventually prevailing 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-1 in a grueling encounter. He then dispatched fifth seed Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4 and dominated Christopher O'Connell in the quarterfinals, winning 6-2, 6-2 to seal a berth in the last four.
Lehecka, meanwhile, entered Belgrade following an early exit at the Paris Masters, where he lost in the first round to Jack Draper. He began his campaign in the Serbian capital with a solid 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Croatian veteran Marin Cilic in the second round after a first-round bye.
Facing Lukas Klein in the quarterfinals, Lehecka displayed remarkable resilience and mental fortitude, rallying from being a set down and on the brink to seal an emphatic 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.
Denis Shapovalov vs Jiri Lehecka head-to-head
Jiri Lehecka leads Denis Shapovalov 1-0 in their head-to-head matchups, having triumphed 6-4, 6-4 in their only encounter in Rotterdam two years ago.
Denis Shapovalov vs Jiri Lehecka odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Denis Shapovalov vs Jiri Lehecka prediction
Denis Shapovalov’s season has been far from ideal, with a 24-22 win-loss record. He is also set to compete in his first semifinal of the year, with a couple of quarterfinal finishes his best results up until now. He has shown promising form in Belgrade this week, however, and will be eager to reach his seventh career final, his first since October 2022.
Jiri Lehecka in contrast has enjoyed a breakthrough season despite some injury setbacks. Boasting a 30-18 record and an impressive 11-6 record since the US Open, Lehecka has shown resilience and grit, especially in his recent matches. Now aiming for his third final of the season, he appears well-positioned to possibly go all the way this week.
The pair have met once on the indoor hardcourt, with Lehecka emerging victorious with ease on that occasion. Two years on, Lehecka has come along significantly, while Shapovalov has suffered plenty of setbacks since. Although Shapovalov’s indoor capabilities cannot be understated, Lehecka’s superior season and hardcourt success make him the favorite in this matchup.
For Shapovalov, overcoming Lehecka may be a challenging feat, as he hasn’t been a regular in tournament semifinals recently. All signs point to an intense clash, with Lehecka likely holding the edge.
Pick - Jeri Lehecka to win in three sets.