The third Masters 1000 series event of the year awaits us at luxurious ATP Tournament in Monaco. Denis Shapovalov and Jan Lenard Struff meet up in the first round. This one is going to be a really entertaining matchup.
Denis Shapovalov
Firstly about the young star that already is Denis Shapovalov. This teenager surprised the tennis world in last years Toronto Masters where he beat Nadal and Del Potro. 19 year old is tipped to be a future top 3 and rightly so. He’s got all the qualities to become a multiple slam winner. This year’s form is quite solid. Denis reached semis in the last Miami masters only losing to eventual champion the great Federer.
Shapovalov’s tennis is great to watch. He plays aggressive and his single-handed backhand is one of the most beautiful shots in tennis. Also has a great forehand and a very good first serve. He likes to play at the net, but also he is very good at the baseline. A total package if you like.
Jan Lenard Struff
This promising german Jan Lenard Struff already turned 28 this year. Usually a peak period for a tennis player. Next couple of years could finally be his breakthrough and maybe we’ll see him lift his first title. Currently, at number 50 in the world, Jan is showing some solid tennis in the last couple of weeks. The most memorable event this season was Indian Wells where Struff beat Millman and Alex Zverev (thrashed him really) and only lost to Raonic who actually wasn’t better game wise and was only saved by his serve in crucial moments.
Struff is a very talented player. Similar to Shapovalov in the sense of shot making and style. Is a tall guy with a good serve and a very good backhand, can move well and play well at the net. Wasted talent in my eyes and should really be at least in top 20.
H2H
Players have met once last year on Japanese hard where Shapovalov celebrated the win in a deciding set.
Article Image Taken from http://www.tenniscanada.com/news/ashamed-embarrassed-shapovaolv-regrets-davis-cup-letdown/