Carreno Busta beats rising star Shapovalov to reach US Open last eight
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| Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 28 Aug-10 Sept |
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Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta overcame battling qualifier Denis Shapovalov to reach the US Open quarter-finals for the first time.
The world number 19 beat the 18-year-old Canadian 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) in an entertaining encounter.
Shapovalov, ranked 50 places below his opponent, hit eight aces and 54 winners as he pushed Carreno Busta all the way.
However, the 26-year-old 12th seed remained composed to dominate the three tie-breaks and reach the next round.
Carreno Busta will face either France’s Lucas Pouille or Argentine Diego Schwartzman next.
This is the second time he has reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam after making the last eight of the French Open in June.
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It has been an impressive tournament for Shapovalov, who came through three rounds of qualifying to play in the US Open and knocked out eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.
Appearing at just his second Grand Slam, Shapovalov led 5-2 in the first set but a series of unforced errors allowed Carreno Busta to break back and force a tie-break.
The teenager had the chance to clinch the second set but Carreno Busta saved three break points and, despite Shapovalov winning 13 consecutive points to take a 3-0 lead in the third set, held on to serve out the match.
“I grew up wanting to play tennis. I want to try to change the sport first of all in Canada, but definitely in America,” Shapovalov said after the match.
“I think I’m making an impact, and hopefully I can continue to do so, because for me the best thing in life is to see kids looking up to you and just aspiring to be like you.”
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