Olaniyi AyoolaThe 2025 French Open second-round clash between 27th seed Denis Shapovalov and qualifier Filip Misolic promises an intriguing battle of contrasting styles and momentum. Scheduled for May 29 at Roland Garros, this match marks their first career meeting.
Shapovalov enters the contest with confidence, having dispatched Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 in the opening round. The Canadian showcased his aggressive baseline play and powerful left-handed strokes, dominating the second set without conceding a game. His recent triumph at the Dallas Open, where he defeated top-tier players including Casper Ruud, underscores his current form and resilience.
Conversely, Misolic has demonstrated remarkable tenacity throughout the tournament. After advancing through the qualifiers without dropping a set, the Austrian overcame a challenging first-round match against Bu Yunchaokete, prevailing 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 6-1. Misolic’s clay-court prowess is evident, boasting a 67% win rate on the surface over the past year, surpassing Shapovalov’s 62% overall match win rate.
Statistically, both players exhibit comparable performance metrics. Misolic has saved 52.73% of breakpoints faced, slightly edging out Shapovalov’s 51.5%. However, Shapovalov’s experience in high-stakes matches and his ability to dictate play with his serve and forehand may give him the upper hand.
Betting odds favor Shapovalov, with a moneyline of -180 compared to Misolic’s +140. While Misolic’s recent performances suggest he could challenge the Canadian, Shapovalov’s experience and recent form make him the likely victor.
In summary, while Misolic’s clay-court expertise and recent momentum make him a formidable opponent, Shapovalov’s aggressive playstyle and experience at this level are expected to carry him through to the third round.
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Olaniyi Ayoola
