Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe were poised to be the match of the day in Cincinnati, and they didn’t disappoint. In fact, the Canadian and the American engaged in a highly entertaining battle that ended only after 2 hours and 20 minutes after a fantastic display of a great shot making.

The match

It was the American to bite first after breaking Denis in the very first game before consolidating his lead (2-0). However, Frances failed to serve out the set when leading 5-4 after he was broken at love. Finally, it was Denis to win this opener 7-6 (6).

The difference between Denis and Frances in the second set was just a break in the 8^th game conquered by the American that this time didn’t fail to serve out the set (6-3) and bring everything to the decider.

After an exchange of breaks in the 2^nd and 3^rd game, Tiafoe seemed to have clinched the decisive break in the 9^th game (5-4). Again, Frances failed to serve out the match and instead it was Shapovalov to concede just 3 points in the following 3 games before winning the contest 7-6 (6) 3-6 7-5.

Next vs. Edmund

Denis will face Kyle Edmund in the 2^nd round. The head to head is 3-2 for Denis.