2019 ATP Paris Masters Semifinals Odds & Pick: Denis Shapovalov vs Rafael Nadal
- Denis Shapovalov has been in the zone all week long in the Paris Masters
- He will need to take his game to another level if he hopes to defeat Rafael Nadal in the semifinals
- Can Shapovalov pull off the upset or will Nadal book a ticket to the Paris Masters finals?
The Paris Masters has brought all of the big name tennis players out as the field is loaded.
This star studded event has come down to the final four as both Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal will look to punch their ticket to the finals of this event. With Nadal and Novak Djokovic still vying for the year end number 1 spot, this tournament means a lot.
It’s been a good run for Nadal and his upcoming opponent, but it comes to the surprise of no one to see the 19-time grand slam champion with the early edge according to online sportsbooks.
Rafael Nadal vs Denis Shapovalov Odds
| Player | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Nadal | -4 (-125) | -575 | O 22.0 (-105) |
| Denis Shapovalov | +4 (-105) | +395 | U 22.0 (-125) |
Odds taken Nov. 1, 2019.
Shapovalov Looks Ready To Take The Next Step
Shapovalov has all of the skills in the world. Yet, at the age of 20 it’s always been a matter of if, not when. It now seems as though the young Canadian is putting it all together.
Shapovalov received a bit of a gift in the first round with his opponent Giles Simon having to pull out of their contest due to injury just four games in.
In the following round, he found himself in an absolute dog fight with Fabio Fognini.
Shapovalov got into serious trouble dropping the first set as Fognini had his way early on. It took a considerable amount of energy and patience but Shapovalov got his game going in the second and third sets, dominating both.
Waiting for Shapovalov in the next round was a familiar foe in Alexander Zverev.
The up and coming Canadian was forced to raise his level of play as he had never defeated Zverev in his young career.
Shapovalov got off to a hot start as it took him less than 30 minutes to win the opening set. Zverev would bounce back in the second and force a decider. Shapovalov showed what he was made of as he broke his man multiple times to bring home the victory.
ATP – Paris : Denis Shapovalov est assuré d'être top 20 lundi #ATP #RolexParisMasters #Shapovalov #Monfils https://t.co/6ws9TbGMwU
— TennisActu (@TennisActu) November 1, 2019
The quarterfinals seemed destined to be a classic as Gael Monfils stood across the net. Well, at least that was supposed to be the case. Shapovalov pulled out every trick in the book and made it look easy against Monfils.
However, he’ll find his next opponent much more difficult to defeat.
Rafael Nadal Looks As Good As Ever
Stop me if this sounds familiar.
Nadal looks great. It seems as though the 19-time grand slam champion never has an off day.
kısa ama güzel bir maç oldu???? #VamosRafa @RafaelNadal #parismasters pic.twitter.com/igLTAAK2Xa
— bilge ceydilek (@bilgeceydilek) November 1, 2019
It’s almost impossible to say, but coming into this event Nadal looked even better than normal as he rode a 13-match winning streak.
Adrian Mannarino gave him a few issues in the opening round but he just couldn’t get a set off of him.
It was a blockbuster matchup in the following round as Stan Wawrinka was his opponent. The contest was competitive but didn’t quite live up to the hype. Nadal only needed to grab a single break in both sets to wrap up the contest.
Nadal now firmly has his eyes set on a Paris Masters final, but will first need to get past a familiar foe.
How They Matchup
There’s a reason why Shapovalov has been so highly touted. Most of his high praise has come from his 2017 upset victory over Nadal at the Rogers Cup.
Up a set and seemingly in control, Shapovalov announced himself to the tennis world with a comeback that left many with their jaws wide open.
Rafael Nadal vs Denis Shapovalov Statistical Comparison
| 2 | Ranking | 28 |
| 1 | Head-To-Head Record | 1 |
| 25-2 | 2019 Hard Court Record | 31-16 |
| 51-6 | 2019 Record | 35-25 |
Nadal has since returned the favor at the Rome Masters in 2018. With Shapovalov playing his absolute best right now, there is reason to believe that he can pull off the upset once again.
Who To Put Your Money On?
Shapovalov is great. He might even be able to bring home a few grand slam titles before the end of his career.
With that being said however, it is difficult to see him winning this contest.
Take your money and put it on Nadal to come out on top in this one.
Hans Themistode has worked in sports journalism since attending Queens College, and has worked for several newspapers including the BX Times and Canarsie Courier, as well as writing for publications such as Fansided and The Clever. His work has also been featured on Bleacher Report.
