Shapovalov downs Borges in Belgrade for milestone win

  • Posted: Nov 06, 2024

Denis Shapovalov is rounding off his comeback season in style with an impressive run at the Belgrade Open.

The 25-year-old produced a near-flawless performance on Wednesday to defeat fifth seed Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4 and advance to his 40th tour-level quarter-final. Shapovalov, who came through qualifying, was clinical on serve throughout the match, during which he won 91 per cent (31/34) of points behind his first delivery, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“It was a fast-paced match today, I started really well out the gates,” said Shapovalov, who broke Borges’ serve in the opening game. “I kept the momentum going. I’ve been playing well all week, so I am very happy with another win.

“It’s one of the best wins of the season for me, so I’ll enjoy it a little bit and then I’ll start thinking about the quarter-finals.”

Shapovalov’s 2023 season was cut short by a knee injury, but the Canadian has made a steady return to action throughout this year. With his 64-minute win, the former No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings is into his third tour-level quarter-final of 2024 (Washington, Basel).

Shapovalov will next face Christopher O’Connell for a spot in the last four after the Australian fired past Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-1.

Earlier, Francisco Cerundolo served up some revenge by ousting Roman Safiullin and levelling the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 1-1. The third seed, who fell to Safiullin in the first round of Wimbledon in July, dialled in for a 6-4, 6-4 win.

“I knew it was going to be a super tough match, but I think I played pretty well,” said Cerundolo, who improved to 34-30 on the season. “I’m super happy because he is a tough player. If you don’t serve well, his return will come fast and then it’s difficult.”

Cerundolo fired six aces and saved each of the two break points he faced en route to a one-hour, 31-minute triumph. In his 22nd tour-level quarter-final, Cerundolo will face Serbian wild card Hamad Medjedovic.

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Elsewhere, Laslo Djere was forced to dig deep to notch back-to-back wins on the ATP Tour for the first time since October last year. The Serbian wild card saved two set points in the second set, but held his nerve to outlast lucky loser Duje Ajdukovic 6-1, 7-6(8) to secure his spot in the last eight.

“In the first set, I played my best tennis of the year,” said Djere. “In the second set, it was a battle. I really wanted to win and I am happy that I pushed through it.”

The 29-year-old will next face Fabian Marozsan, who moved past home hope Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 7-5 to reach his fifth tour-level quarter-final.

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