2021 Paris Masters Round of 16 – Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth on and what time does it start? Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth will take place on Thursday 4th November, 2021 – not before 10:00 (UK)
Where is Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth taking place? Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth will take place at the Accor Arena in Paris, France
What surface is Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth being played on? Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth
What channel is Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth on? Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Alexei Popyrin vs James Duckworth live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
22-year-old Alexei Popyrin went a break up in a match with Stefanos Tsitsipas he had a real chance of upsetting before the Greek took precaution on an injury and retired from the match. That sees the Aussie through to the round of 16 as a lucky loser, like the impressive Dominik Koepfer, and reaching this stage of a Masters event for the second time. He briefly tested Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Open at this stage earlier this year before defeat but there is a huge opportunity now for both himself and fellow Aussie James Duckworth to make the last eight for a first time at this level. 29-year-old Duckworth has taken out the world number 20 Roberto Bautista Agut this week for a third top 20 victory in what is proving to be by far his best season on tour. However, backing that up with another three-set win over an improving Lorenzo Musetti shows this is progressive form and not a one-off performance and he will set a new career-high of at least 52nd no matter the outcome of this match.
This is a real head-scratcher between two players who have never met at tour-level but will likely know plenty about each other’s games. Earlier this season it was Popyrin riding high following a strong Australian Open campaign to win his first ATP title at the Singapore Open but Duckworth has been steadily chipping away at his ranking all season long. There is probably a set in this for both players, particularly as Duckworth has needed three sets in both of his victories so far but Popyrin will be the fresher of the two with just five games conceded from his two rounds against Alex de Minaur and Tsitsipas. Take this match to see three sets as a risky option or for Duckworth to win at least one as a slightly less risky one in a difficult match to call. A tiebreak is also fairly likely.
