Rafael Nadal vs Denis Shapovalov - Semifinals - Paris Masters - Preview and Prediction

Paris throws up a perfect clash of generations as World number 2, Rafael Nadal locks horns with number 28, Denis Shapovalov in the semifinals tonight.

Key Insights

• Nadal will be aiming for a first Paris Masters title and the year-end number 1 ranking
• Shapovalov will be aiming for a first ATP Masters final
• Nadal and Shapovalov are tied 1-1 in the head to head record
• Nadal has not dropped a set yet in this tournament
• Shapovalov has lost all the three ATP Masters semifinals that he has played so far

It has been usual business for the Spaniard. The 19-time grand slam champion won a tough match against homeboy, Adrian Mannarino, 7-5 6-4 in the round of 32.

Rafa clinched the battle of the legends ousting three-time grand slam champion, Stan Wawrinka in straight sets in the pre-quarterfinals.

The second seed defeated the in-form Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 6-1 in the quarters.

The Canadian has been living up to his potential in this tournament. The Next-Gen star won an edge of the seat thriller against Fabio Fognini in the round of 32. Shapovalov's big-serve reaped rich dividends as he slammed 14 aces. 

He won his first victory in four matches against number 6, Alexander Zverev in the pre-quarterfinals. Though the youngster managed to convert only 5 out of 17 breakpoints, a high first serve winning percentage of 86 helped him to scrape through.

Gael Monfils got an all-round thrashing as Shapovalov won 6-2 6-2. It was one-way traffic as "Shapo" did not commit any double faults and converted 80% of breakpoints.

Aggressiveness, fearlessness and fighting spirit has defined Shapovalov's run so far.

“It was one of those matches where nothing was really going wrong for me, I felt like any shot I hit was finding its way into the court, everything went for me, so I am super happy to get the win," opined Shapovalov after thrashing Monfils in the quarters.

It is all about who strikes first as Nadal's forehand battle it out against Shapovalov's backhand.

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits - Getty Images