Shapovalov Prevails In #NextGenATP Rematch

Two years ago, Russian Andrey Rublev got the better of Denis Shapovalov as the two teenagers competed at the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan.

But on Monday, the 19-year-old Canadian returned the favour. Shapovalov beat Rublev 6-3, 7-6(5) in a battle of hard-hitting baseliners to make back-to-back fourth-round appearances at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

The #NextGenATP Canadian converted only two of his 12 break points against Rublev, but Shapovalov was the steadier of the two during what, at times, seemed more like a boxing match as the two slugged away from the back of the court.

Rublev threw every part of him into his forehands and rarely approached the net, sometimes even backing up after reaching the service line.

Shapovalov, however, mixed in variety and attacked the net against the Russian, who qualified and was trying to reach his first fourth round at an ATP Masters 1000 event.

Shapovalov will next meet the winner between Greece’s #NextGenATP star Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 10 in the ATP Rankings, and Argentine Leonardo Mayer.