Sofia Open 2020: Denis Shapovalov vs Radu Albot preview, head-to-head & prediction

Match details

Fixture: Denis Shapovalov vs Radu Albot

Date: 10 November 2020

Tournament: Sofia Open 2020

Round: Second round (Round of 16)

Venue: Sofia, Bulgaria

Category: ATP 250 Series

Surface: Indoor hardcourt

Prize money: €325,615

Match timing: Not before 6 pm local time, 9.30 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel

Denis Shapovalov vs Radu Albot preview

Denis Shapovalov will play the first match of his final tournament of 2020 against Radu Albot. The two players will lock horns in the second round of the 2020 Sofia Open in Bulgaria.

The Canadian is the top seed at this tournament and he received a bye in the first round. Radu Albot meanwhile knocked out Yuichi Sugita in his opening encounter.

Despite all of his talent, Shapovalov has failed to deliver during most of this European indoor hardcourt season. The 21-year-old began well, making the semifinals of the St. Petersburg Open, but looked woefully out of touch in his next two events at Cologne and Vienna. He succumbed to shock opening round defeats at the hands of Gilles Simon and Jurij Rodionov respectively.

Shapovalov will be keen on getting his hands on his first title of the year at Sofia. However, that is easier said than done for someone who has failed to make the final in any of the 12 events he has played so far in 2020.

Radu Albot

Facing Shapovalov first up would be World No. 93, Radu Albot who won his first-round match with consummate ease. The Moldovan looked quite comfortable in the conditions and made short work of his Japanese opponent, dropping just five games.

Albot didn't lose his serve even once during the match, which will no doubt give him some confidence ahead of the tough fixture against Shapovalov.

Denis Shapovalov vs Radu Albot head-to-head

Denis Shapovalov and Radu Albot will be playing each other for the first time on the ATP tour. Their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.

Denis Shapovalov vs Radu Albot prediction

Denis Shapovalov in action at the 2020 French Open

On paper, Denis Shapovalov is the overwhelming favorite in this fixture. But the Canadian has been very inconsistent in recent weeks, even against far lower-ranked opponents.

With his counterpunching game and quick feet, Radu Albot will no doubt test Shapovalov’s patience during this encounter. Should the Canadian face any lapses in concentration, he could be looking at an early defeat yet again.

However, there is no denying Shapovalov’s prowess when it comes to pure ball-striking. The youngster boasts one of the finest one-handed backhands on tour and a wicked lefty serve, both of which are handy weapons on indoor hardcourts.

If the Canadian's game is working, he should be able to book a place in the quarterfinals at the end of this match.

Prediction: Denis Shapovalov to win in three sets.