Denis Shapovalov has found form in Asia, but Sho Shimabukuro has home advantage and plenty to play for in Tokyo
Match News and Form
Denis Shapovalov has barely managed to win matches or produce anything notable outside North American hard courts in recent years. That makes his start to the Asian swing particularly promising, as he reached the semifinals in Chengdu and even led Hubert Hurkacz by a set in the last four. It is an encouraging beginning at a stage of the season when he has little to no points to defend, having lost two of the three matches he played during the Asian swing last year, including a first-round exit in Tokyo.
Sho Shimabukuro has made firm inroads on the main tour this year and finally achieved his long-awaited Top 100 debut a few weeks ago. Although he has cooled off somewhat since then and slipped back outside the Top 100, this home opportunity in Tokyo gives him an excellent chance to build on those foundations, return to the Top 100 and continue progressing as he looks to establish himself as a regular at this level.
Head to Head: Denis Shapovalov leads 1-0
Their only previous meeting came during the Asian swing in Shanghai two years ago, when Sho Shimabukuro won the first set before retiring midway through the second.
Stats and Facts
Denis Shapovalov still holds a negative 19-20 win-loss record this year.
Shapovalov is a two-time former semifinalist at ATP Tokyo.
Shimabukuro won three matches as a qualifier before reaching the round of 16 in Tokyo last year.
He has won six first-round matches in tour-level events in his career, with three of those victories coming this year from 13 attempts.
Betting Analysis
Denis Shapovalov is the more accomplished player and also made a strong start to the Asian swing, so it is understandable that he starts as the favorite. However, Shapovalov is capable of producing a no-show against any opponent, while Sho Shimabukuro is preparing for the biggest week of his season in front of his home crowd and with valuable ranking points at stake. There is enough in the Japanese player to put in a competitive performance and make life difficult for an inconsistent and volatile Canadian.
