It all comes down to this as Spain takes on Canada in the final of the 2022 ATP Cup. The former seems to have a bit of an advantage as both of their singles players are yet to lose a match in this event. Canada has enjoyed a much more topsy-turvy campaign. Who do you think will advance?
Denis Shapovalov vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: Carreno Busta 4-1
Denis Shapovalov has only managed one win in his five meetings with Pablo Carreno Busta, beating him on clay in Rome. The Spaniard prevailed four times on hard courts and has definitely been looking more solid in this event so far. The 30-year-old is yet to lose a set and while the overall quality of his opposition hasn’t been as high as Shapovalov’s, his ability to work the ball and move it around the court gave him four rather comfortable victories.
Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov not only lost to Dan Evans but looked shaky against Jan-Lennard Struff and Roman Safiullin as well. The Canadian hasn’t hit his best disposition yet and he will need that to overcome a tricky matchup for him. Carreno Busta can expose his inconsistencies and oftentimes lack of tactical gameplan. The Spaniard is also an expert at keeping aggressive opponents at bay with his deep groundstrokes.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: Auger-Aliassime 2-1
Despite taking just four games off Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, Felix Auger-Aliassime came back stronger to beat the same opponent in doubles. The Canadian has been rather uneven in this event, scoring two wins and two losses, which included a stunning upset over Alexander Zverev. The same cannot be said about Roberto Bautista Agut, who remains unbeaten after four matches.
The Spaniard had a disappointing 2021 campaign but is looking rejuvenated at the start of this year. He didn’t even lose a single set in the group stage, before prevailing over Hubert Hurkacz in a semifinal thriller. The head-to-head between the two would suggest a tight encounter again. Bautista Agut can drive the Canadian mad with his all-round solidity and really seems to have turned over a new leaf in the early days of the season.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Main Photo:
