In a disappointing start for Canadian players, Denis Shapovalov and Gabriel Diallo faced early exits in their opening men’s singles matches at the Monte Carlo Masters tournament on Monday.
Richmond Hill’s Shapovalov was edged out by Belgian Alexander Blockx, falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Both athletes recorded two aces; however, Shapovalov struggled with his serves, committing over twice as many double faults—five compared to Blockx’s two.
Blockx capitalized on his opportunities, converting three out of four break points, while Shapovalov managed to secure only two of his seven break chances.
In another match, Brazilian Joao Fonseca swiftly defeated Montreal’s Diallo in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Fonseca recorded two aces without any service faults, whereas Diallo struggled with four double faults alongside a single ace.
Fonseca demonstrated dominance by breaking serve five times out of eight attempts, while Diallo managed just one conversion from his four break opportunities.
