ATP No. 28. Playstyle: Aggressive, attacking tennis. Strengths: powerful serve, excellent forehand, solid net play, ability to change pace quickly. Key Achievements: Wimbledon 2021 semifinalist, Paris Masters 2019 finalist, Stockholm Open 2019 champion
Form at Indian Wells: Shapovalov easily defeated Adam Walton in the first round (6-2, 6-3), indicating solid preparation. However, his performances over recent seasons have been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance mixed with unexpected defeats.
ATP No. 3. Playstyle: Versatile, aggressive baseline game. Strengths: outstanding physical conditioning, ability to adapt to opponents, strong baseline play, high consistency in long rallies. Key Achievements: US Open 2022 champion, Wimbledon 2023 champion, 12 ATP titles, including Miami and Madrid Masters
Form at Indian Wells: Alcaraz comfortably defeated Quentin Halys (6-4, 6-2) in his opening match. The Spaniard continues to show impressive form and remains one of the top contenders for the title.
So far, Shapovalov has struggled to compete with Alcaraz at a high level. In their only previous encounter on clay, the Spaniard dominated without much resistance. This match will be a tough test for Shapovalov. He needs to deliver his best tennis to win even a single set.
Carlos Alcaraz appears to be far more consistent at this stage. His powerful shots, combined with excellent court coverage, allow him to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. Meanwhile, Shapovalov is known for losing focus during matches—if he doesn’t stay sharp, Alcaraz could wrap up the match in straight sets.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win 2-0
Bookmaker Odds:
Shapovalov is a talented player, but his inconsistency against elite opponents reduces his chances of an upset. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is in top form and will likely advance without much trouble. Predicted Score: 6-3, 6-4 in favor of Alcaraz. If Shapovalov fails to make an impact early, this match could be over quickly. Backing Alcaraz to win is the safest bet for this encounter.
In this match, bookmakers have set the odds at 5.00 for Shapovalov and 1.19 for Alcaraz, with the total over 20.5 games offered at 1.99 and under 20.5 games at 1.85. While Shapovalov has an aggressive game and a powerful serve, Alcaraz’s superior consistency and physical endurance make him the clear favorite. The Spaniard’s ability to dictate rallies and exploit Shapovalov’s inconsistency should ensure a comfortable victory.
Our prediction: Alcaraz to win in straight sets at odds of 1.60.