Swiss Indoors 2024: Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng
Date: TBD
Tournament: 2024 Swiss Indoors
Round: First Round (Round of 32)
Venue: St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hardcourt (Indoors)
Prize Money: €2,385,100
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng preview
Denis Shapovalov will open his 2024 Swiss Indoors campaign with an intriguing first-round encounter against Shang Juncheng.
Shapovalov, who is on a comeback trail after being sidelined due to injury issues, will be eyeing to turn over a new leaf after a subdued 2024 season so far. He recently showed sparks of revival after stringing together a few good wins over the likes of Lorenzo Sonego and Sho Shimabukuro at the Shanghai Masters.
The Canadian’s 19-21 win-loss for the season does not inspire much confidence but he does enjoy playing under the roof and could spring up a surprise.
Juncheng, meanwhile, comes into the tournament with a career-high ranking of No. 49. The talented teenager recently lifted his first Tour-level title on home soil, at Chengdu, beating the likes of Alexander Bublik and Lorenzo Musetti en-route.
The recent run of form has seen Juncheng accumulate a win-loss of 25-15 for the season and he will be looking to extend his purple patch.
Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between the two players, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng odds
(Odds will be updated when available)
Denis Shapovalov vs Shang Juncheng prediction
Denis Shapovalov possesses a big game built around a solid serve and booming groundstrokes. He has, however, not been able to find his best tennis in recent months. Pitted against an in-form player like Shang Juncheng, he will need to find his footing in the match quickly.
The Chinese player is not someone who gives away too many points for free. He instead relies on his incredible footspeed and steady game to wear opponents down. That can be problematic for the Canadian, who has the tendency to overpress when put under pressure. The lack of match wins could also come back to haunt him in tight situations.
Juncheng, on the other hand, has been clinical on the big points in his recent matches, having converted nearly 70% of the break point chances that came his way during the title run in Chengdu. If he can maintain the same level of composure, he should be able to fend off Shapovalov’s charge.
Prediction: Juncheng to win in three sets