The first-round matches of the ATP Masters in Montreal begin this Monday. The 20-year old Canadian Denis Shapovalov has a tall task at the start of the tournament, facing off against the Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Still, Shapovalov hopes for a strong performance in front of the home audience.
Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Denis Shapovalov
- 2019 Montreal Canadian Open (Outdoor/Hard)
- IGA Stadium, Montreal, Canada
- Monday 5th August
Pierre-Hugues Herbert News & Form
World No. 38 is on a four-match losing streak, exiting in the first round at Wimbledon, Atlanta, and Washington. Herbert came to Montreal with a 21-18 record in 2019, and after a solid first half of the season, it seems that Pierre-Hugues’ form is declining.
The 28-year old Frenchman is 2-4 at the ATP Masters this season and 13-22 in his career. Also, he’s 8-7 on the hard court in 2019, reaching the championship match in Montpellier where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets.
Denis Shapovalov News & Form
World No. 31 will take the court for the first time since the first-round exit at Wimbledon. Shapovalov is having an awful season, losing 16 of his 31 matches, while he’s lost ten of his previous 12 contests. Likewise, Denis couldn’t earn straight wins since the ATP Masters in Miami back in March.
Shapovalov is 7-5 at the ATP Masters this season and 26-18 in his career. The left-hander is 11-7 on a hard court in 2019, while he has won 49 of his 88 matches on a hard court in a career. Last season, Shapovalov entered the main draw at the Canadian Open for the first time, and he reached the round of 16.
Herbert vs Shapovalov Head to Head
Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Denis Shapovalov will meet each other for the third time, and each player has been successful once so far. Shapovalov defeated Herbert in three sets 3-6 6-4 6-4 in Canberra two years ago, while Herbert beat Denis in straight sets 7-5 7-6 in the quarterfinal in Montpellier this season. Herbert had five winners more and 12 unforced errors fewer than Shapovalov in Montpellier.
Betting Odds and Predictions: Herbert vs Shapovalov
The bookmakers set Denis Shapovalov as a slight favourite to reach the second round in Montreal. They are well aware of poor form on both sides, so Shapovalov has an advantage due to a home audience which could be an important factor. You can take Denis at 3/5 odds with Ladbrokes, while Herbert is set at 13/10 odds with BetVictor.
Betway offers a 23.5-game line on the totals with both over and under at 17/20 odds which tell you a lot about their expectations of a tight battle. Likewise, Betway offers 6/5 odds on exactly three sets in this match.
Our Herbert vs Shapovalov 2019 Montreal ATP Masters Betting Tip
It is tough to wager on one of two struggling players, but I think Denis Shapovalov will bounce back in front of the home fans. Also, Shapovalov will be highly motivated to get a payoff for that loss in Montpellier where Herbert had the audience behind his back.
Although Pierre-Hugues Herbert is 11-4 in his last 15 meetings with left-handed players, I’m backing Denis Shapovalov to win this clash at 3/5 odds with Ladbrokes. It could easily be a three-set battle, but I suggest you stick with the side bet.