Shapovalov Moves Into Chengdu Second Round; Sousa, Bublik Advance

Denis Shapovalov saved all nine break points he faced in a solid service performance against Ricardas Berankis on Wednesday at the Chengdu Open. The eighth-seeded Canadian, who struck 16 aces to beat Berankis 6-4, 6-3 in 72 minutes for a place in the second round, is currently in fourth position in the 2019 ATP Race To Milan for a spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals in November. Shapovalov will next face American qualifier Bradley Klahn.

Earlier in the day, Portugal’s Joao Sousa worked his way back from a fast start by wild card Hyeon Chung to record a 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Last week’s St. Petersburg Open semi-finalist will face second-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Chung, the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, was playing only his second tour-level event since February due to a back injury.

“It was a great match,” said Sousa. “He started very well and very aggressive while I was trying a little bit to get used to the conditions here. I didn’t have much time since arriving from St. Petersburg so it was a little bit tough for me in the beginning. But after that I was able to change a little bit tactically and I was more aggressive and I was able to win.” 

Watch Hot Shot: Athletic Bublik Hits Underarm Serve

Watch Hot Shot: Bublik’s Brilliant Volley At Chengdu 2019

Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik struck 25 aces and won 83 per cent of his first-service points to grind past sixth-seeded American Taylor Fritz, this year’s Nature Valley International champion, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in one hour and 46 minutes.He will now challenge Australia’s Jordan Thompson, who led Vasek Pospisil of Canada 4-1 in the deciding set before holding on for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win in two hours and 29 minutes.