This could be a pivotal moment for Denis Shapovalov.
In an exhilarating match at the Dallas Open, the Canadian sensation stunned the top seed and world No. 4, Taylor Fritz, with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2) in the second round on Thursday.
Ranked No. 54 globally, Shapovalov seized the initiative with a mini-break on the very first point of the tiebreak, maintaining his lead without looking back.
The Richmond Hill, Ontario native has faced numerous injuries over the past few years, resulting in a fall from his peak ranking of No. 10 in 2020. This impressive victory against the reigning U.S. Open runner-up sets him up for a quarterfinal clash on Friday against the sixth seed, Tomas Machac from Czechia.
With this latest win, Shapovalov now holds a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head encounters against Fritz.
True to form, Shapovalov exhibited his passionate nature on the court, not shying away from expressing his feelings.
During the opening set, he engaged in a spirited exchange with the umpire regarding the distracting graphics behind the court.
Following one of the games, he remarked: “Tennis is the show, not the graphics in the background.”
