Denis Shapovalov is definitely one of the most intriguing youngsters on tour.  The Canadian has a fantastic aggressive game with a formidable one-handed backhand that is particularly effective on fast courts.

Denis is having a dream tournament this year at the Rogers Cup. He has obtained a wild card to access the main draw, and he defeated Dutra-Silva in the first round after saving 4 match points. Then, he defeated Juan Martin Del Potro in straight sets before upsetting the great Rafael Nadal in a passionate 3-setter in the third round.

The match against Rafa

Denis put up a fight in the first part of the opening set, but then he got sloppy from the 8th game to lose the first set 6-3. At that point, it seemed as Rafa was ready for a quick win, but the Canadian broke the Spaniard immediately to conquer a 4-1 lead in the second set. When Denis lost 3 consecutive games (4-4), there was the impression once again that he was close to defeat. Instead, Shapovalov won the following 2 games to bring the affair to the decider.

The third set went straight to the tiebreak, but before the Canadian had to hold a monumental service game (2-1) in more than 14 minutes.

Once again Nadal looked to be the winner when he conquered a speedy 3-0 lead in the decisive tiebreak, but once more, Shapovalov bounced back to win 7 of the following 8 points and conquer the match after 2 hours and 44 minutes. The final result was 3-6 6-4 7-6 (4).

It’s like a dream come true. SHAPOVALOV

After the match, Denis commented

“It’s so tough. A lot of the times he just hits a shot that’s way too good. I was managing to get a lot back when I could. But, you know, he’s honestly the best player I’ve ever played in my life.

You could tell why he’s won so many Grand Slams. His ball was just so heavy. He’s such a warrior out there. So, it’s honestly, like a dream come true for me to beat a player like that.”

Next vs. Mannarino

Denis will now face Mannarino in the quarters. They have never played each other so far, and it’s not rare that after such a big upset it’s easy to fall soon after, Time to rest and get focus for the next one for Denis.