Antoine Bellier vs. Denis Shapovalov Prediction: Shapovalov Might Need to Put Up a Fight

Denis Shapovalov will face 192nd-ranked Antoine Bellier in the second round of the 2022 Stockholm Open on Wednesday, October 19.

In a one-sided first-round match between two qualifiers, Bellier defeated Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets to go to the second round. Bellier is only the second player this season to win the first round of an ATP event.

After surprising many with his semifinal run in Mallorca as a qualifier, Bellier defeated Shevchenko 6-4, 6-2 in the first round here.

Bellier was broken once each in both sets, but he didn't appear to mind. In the first, it happened after he had already taken a break, while in the second, it happened after he was down 0-2 but went on to win six games in a row to win the match.

Things might become a little tougher against Shapovalov, but Bellier appears to relish these fast courts and could have a chance.

Shapovalov's form appeared to have dipped in the middle of the season, but he appears to have recovered some rhythm recently.

The Canadian, who received a first-round bye in this tournament, is coming off two strong showings at the Korea Open and Japan Open. In Seoul, Shapovalov advanced to the final with three straight-set wins before losing to Yoshihito Nishioka in the title match.

He won three sets in a straight again in Tokyo to reach the semifinals before losing in a three-setter against Taylor Fritz.

The beginnings of a comeback were evident at both the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open, when, while he was knocked out in the third round by Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, he gave it his best.

Shapovalov is a massive 1/8 favorite to win this, which has little value. We believe there will be some brawl here, and the match will last longer than 20.5 games (5/6 with bet365). If you want to take a greater chance, Bellier can win a set (at 7/4 with bet365).

• Total Under 21.5 for 1.87
• Handiсap Antoine Bellier (+4.5) for 1.89
• Individual Total 1 Under 8.5 for 1.95