We are getting closer and closer to the business end of the inaugural ATP Cup. Players know that each victory now matters more than ever to secure qualification to the knockout stages. But who will make their countries proud and who will disappoint? We also have predictions for four other Tuesday ATP Cup matches.
ATP Cup Day 5 Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Alexander Cozbinov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Norrie has struggled in the ATP Cup so far. The Brit needed three sets to finish off Bulgaria’s Dimitar Kuzmanov ranked at 417 in the world. In his second match, he lost to Steve Darcis ranked at 200 in the world.
Cozbinov, despite having lost his two opening matches, he will play with no fear as he knows all the pressure will be with Norrie. But ultimately, Cozbinov ranked at 816 in the world, and Norrie being in the top 100, one would expect the Brit to regain some good form and get this job done in straight sets.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Michail Pervolarakis vs Nick Kyrgios
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kyrgios missed his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime due to back problems which is a worrying sign for Team Australia. But assuming he is fit and ready for this match, it should be an entertaining match. The talented Australian has said he enjoys playing in these team events, as it gives him the energy and motivation to be at his best. Especially with the Australian crowd behind his back, expect him to be focussed and claim a vital victory for Team Australia.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: First meeting
Felix Auger-Aliassime has been rapidly rising up the ATP rankings. But he still has a lot to learn as shown by his match against Alex de Minaur. The 19-year-old tended to pull the trigger on his shots too early which gave de Minaur free points in crucial stages of the match.
His opponent, Struff, had a good 2019 and will have a lot more experience than Auger-Aliassime and the German will try to use that to his own advantage. But Auger-Aliassime plays with no fear whatsoever and if he is in the zone, the boy can be dangerous.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Denis Shapovalov vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev leads 2-1
Alexander Zverev will need to quickly regroup after his meltdown at his father in the second set against Stefanos Tsitsipas. The biggest problem with Zverev is his serve, as the German hit 10 double faults against the Greek.
Shapovalov has been playing well all week, as he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and narrowly lost to Alex de Minaur. The young Canadian has been playing well under the tutelage of Mikhail Youzhny. He has learned how to control his aggressive shots, and not go for all-out in the middle of a rally as that was the problem in the past few seasons.
Who will win this match? Shapovalov. Zverev’s serve won’t be an overnight fix, and that is exactly what is causing him to lose matches right now.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
