It will be an all-Canadian affair when Denis Shapovalov kicks off his Auckland campaign against Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday. Hubert Hurkacz and Mikael Ymer are also aiming for a place in the quarterfinals.
(Q) Vasek Pospisil vs. (2) Denis Shapovalov
Based on his form at the end of 2019 and the way in which he has begun 2020, Shapovalov is heading straight for the top 10. Already up to No. 13 in the world at 20 years old, the Canadian is coming off a stellar performance at the ATP Cup. He lost only to Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur in three sets while defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev in straights.
Up first for Shapovalov in Auckland on Wednesday is his countryman Pospisil, who lost their only previous meeting 6-3, 6-3 on the hard courts of the Guadalajara three years ago. The 29-year-old is ranked 146th due to injury, but he played well upon his return late last season and successfully qualified for this Auckland main draw. Pospisil then took care of Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-2 in the opening round. This should be a high-quality contest, with an edge going to a supremely confident Shapovalov.
Pick: Shapovalov in 3
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(Q) Mikael Ymer vs. (6) Hubert Hurkacz
Like Shapovalov, Djokovic, and de Minaur, Hurkacz was one of the stars of the inaugural ATP Cup. The 22-year-pole went 3-0, climbed three spots to 34th in the rankings, and will be seeded at the Australian Open thanks to the withdrawals of Kei Nishikori and Lucas Pouille. Hurkacz improved to 4-0 in the early stages of this 2020 campaign with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Lorenzo Sonego on Monday.
Somewhat surprisingly given their similar age (Ymer is 21), this is their first encounter at any professional level. Ymer has already won three matches in Auckland, qualifying for the main draw and ousting Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. Given Hurkacz’s current hot streak, however, this is a huge step up in competition for the 77th-ranked Swede.
Pick: Hurkacz in 2
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who ya got?
Shap in 2; Hercules in 2.
well done