Shapovalov Fights Past Kohlschreiber In Five Sets
Denis Shapovalov worked hard for his place in The Championships second round on Tuesday, which was heavily affected by rain. The 10th-seeded Canadian overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber, who is returning from a hip injury, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in three hours and 35 minutes on Court 12.
Shapovalov squandered a 5-3 lead in the fourth set, shortly prior to a four-hour rain delay at the All England Club. But the 22-year-old bounced back to break in the seventh game of the decider courtesy of four unforced errors from Kohlschreiber.
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“It’s a great feeling to win this match especially against a great player like Philipp, who I watched a lot growing up,” said Shapovalov. “I am a huge fan of his game. It’s great to see him back in good form.
“It’s a huge weight off my back, going in the first round of a major and not knowing how the courts will play, especially as you can’t practise too much on it. I am really happy that I was able to pull through and come up with big points when I needed them. Philipp is a really, really tough competitor so it’s a good win for me.”
Shapovalov struck 16 aces among his 58 winners, and will next face Spain’s Pablo Andujar in the second round. Andujar needed five hours and two minutes to overcome Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(7), 5-7, 8-6. He’d missed out on two match points on serve at 5-4, 40/15 in the fourth set.
Shapovalov is now 19-13 on the season, which includes a runner-up finish at the Gonet Geneva Open (l. to Ruud). Prior to coming to the grass-court major, the World No. 12 reached the cinch Championships semi-finals (l. to Norrie).