Denis Shapovalov (6) meets Hubert Hurkacz (26) in the third round of the 2021 Miami Open on Monday, March 29th 2021.
Will Hubert Hurkacz be able to get revenge for his loss just last two weeks ago to Denis Shapovalov in Dubai, or will Shapovalov be able to get the head to head tied between themselves?
Hubert Hurkacz came through a tight 2 set victory against Denis Kudla in the second round, beating the American 7-6/6-4. Hurkacz has been playing some great tennis in 2021, winning the Delray Beach Open and looking as if he can get some more titles under his belt in smaller ATP 250 tournaments. Hurkacz will want come into this third round match and get the job done to get his revenge for his tough loss to Denis Shapovalov at the Dubai Open a couple of weeks ago. Can Hurkacz cause the upset here in the third round?
Denis Shapovalov came through an extremely tight match against Ilya Ivashka, winning in 3 sets 6-7/6-4/6-4. Shapovalov had to fight to the nail for everything in that match and I expect he will be feeling it physically in this third round match. Shapovalov has been in great form the last few weeks, and he will want to keep this going here in Miami as he knows he can make his way to the quarter finals at least if he plays like he has. Will Shapovalov make it 2 wins against Hurkacz in 3 weeks, or will the upset happen?
These two players have met 3 times before, with Hubert Hurkacz leading the head to head 2-1. I expect this to be a very tight match between both players as they have played some strong matches here in Miami, but I think that Denis Shapovalov will be able to get the head to head tied here at 2-2. Hurkacz is a very solid player, but in the big tournaments he has never made it very far. Shapovalov will have a point to prove here and he will want to show everyone that he can compete at a very high level in big tournaments. Shapovalov to win.