It promises to be a great ATP Belgrade final on Sunday. Denis Shapovalov, who had been enduring a challenging season, will face Hamad Medjedovic for the title. We at LWOT give our prediction and analysis in this article, but which man do you think will win the title in Serbia?
ATP Belgrade Final Prediction
Denis Shapovalov vs Hamad Medjedovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shapovalov’s rough 2024 season meant he had to come through the qualifying stages in Belgrade, which he did without dropping a set. After beating Marton Fucsovics in three sets, Shapovalov produced his best tennis of the season to defeat Nuno Borges, Christopher O’Connell, and Jiri Lehecka without dropping a set. Medjedovic overcame Brandon Nakashima, Aleksandar Kovacevic, Francisco Cerundolo, and Laslo Djere.
The Canadian might be slightly fresher heading into the final. He only dropped three games against Lehecka while Medjedovic battled through in a final set tiebreak against Djere. It will be very challenging for Medjedovic to stop Shapovalov if the latter produces the same level as the semifinal. The former Wimbledon quarterfinalist was almost flawless from start to finish.
If Shapovalov plays that well again, Medjedovic needs to serve exceptionally well and hope to win sets narrowly. The Canadian’s serve and forehand combination was almost unstoppable against Lehecka. He played with a freedom and confidence not seen throughout the rest of the 2024 season. Of course, playing with that much freedom in a final may not be as easy.
Although Shapovalov has not always played his best tennis in finals, he is still backed to finish the season on a high by winning the title in Belgrade. Half of his level from the semifinal should be good enough to triumph. Medjedovic could thrive as the underdog, but even a good performance from him probably will not be enough in Belgrade.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
