Shapovalov Triumphs Over Paul 7-5, 6-3, Securing a Spot in the Dallas Open Final
In a compelling showdown at the Dallas Open, Tommy Paul, the reigning champion and a fresh face in the ATP top ten, faced off against Denis Shapovalov. The 27-year-old from Voorhees, New Jersey, recently celebrated a career-best ranking of #9, following an impressive quarterfinal performance at the Australian Open.
During the Dallas Open, now recognized as an ATP 500 event, Paul made his way to the semifinals by defeating three American contenders: Jenson Brooksby, Ethan Quinn, and Reilly Opelka. Awaiting him was the talented lefty from Canada.
Denis Shapovalov, ranked #54, previously reached a high of #10 in 2020. After battling injuries in recent years, the 25-year-old found his rhythm in the Lone Star State, highlighted by a thrilling three-set victory against top seed Taylor Fritz.
Having secured two indoor hard court titles and with a win over Paul in their last encounter at the W&S Open 2022, the stage was set for an electrifying contest.
Paul won the toss and chose to receive. Shapovalov started strong, showcasing a powerful backhand down the line. He faced a break point but fought back, holding serve with a mix of formidable winners and an unreturnable serve.
CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Manish Swarup
Paul responded with an impressive crosscourt backhand volley, leveling the score. Shapovalov demonstrated his prowess by landing 4 out of 5 first serves to take a comfortable hold at 15, while Paul unleashed four consecutive winners, including an ace, to match at 2-2.
Shapovalov showcased his serving skills with an ace up the tee, while Paul continued to hammer down forehand winners to keep pace.
The Canadian surged ahead with a stunning forehand to take a 4-3 lead, but Paul, serving with new balls, composed himself to level the match once more.
Shapovalov made a few unforced errors but rallied with an extraordinary inside-out forehand and an ace to take a lead once again. Serving to stay in the set, Paul rose to the occasion, mixing in first serve points as he leveled the score.
In a tactical battle, Shapovalov maintained his composure, holding serve at love to push the score to 6-5. Paul fought valiantly to extend the set, but Shapovalov’s phenomenal winners sealed the first set in his favor.
As the second set began, Shapovalov faced some early serving challenges but found his rhythm again, holding with a brilliant inside-out forehand.
Paul, resilient and determined, leveled at 3, but Shapovalov’s decisive playing style shone through as he held serve despite facing tough moments.
Shapovalov’s relentless attack proved too much for Paul. After breaking the American’s serve, he marched forward confidently, serving for the match. Despite being down 15-30, he fired off three stunning winners, clinching the victory.
This outstanding display showcased Shapovalov’s growth and maturity, marking an incredible performance that left him composed and unflustered throughout. He connected with precision, consistently applying pressure and finishing with six aces and saving all break points faced.
This Sunday, Shapovalov will compete in his sixth final against world #5, Casper Ruud. The Norwegian, a seasoned competitor with twelve career titles and a peak ranking of #2, holds a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head matches, though this will mark their inaugural clash on indoor hard courts.
