Shapovalov Sets Djokovic Clash In Shanghai

Denis Shapovalov booked a blockbuster second-round clash against Novak Djokovic at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Monday, following a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Frances Tiafoe.

The World No. 36, competing in his 50th tour-level encounter of the year, dropped only two points behind his first serve (27/29) to improve to 27-23 this season. This is Shapovalov’s first victory at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, following first-round losses in 2017 and 2018.

The 20-year-old Canadian will attempt to beat Tokyo champion Djokovic for the first time in their third FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting. Shapovalov took a set off the Serbian at the Australian Open in January, before a straight-sets loss to the World No. 1 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in May.

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters winner Fabio Fognini recorded his second FedEx ATP Head2Head win in as many matches against Sam Querrey to advance to the second round. The Italian, who is currently 13th in the 2019 ATP Race To London, did not face a break point en route to a 6-4, 6-2 triumph. He  will next face three-time Shanghai titlist Andy Murray or Juan Ignacio Londero of Argentina.

Albert Ramos-Vinolas will also face a high-profile opponent in the second round after denying Marin Cilic his 500th tour-level victory. The Spaniard defeated the 2017 semi-finalist 6-4, 6-4 and will meet two-time champion Roger Federer in his next match.

Qualifier Cameron Norrie marked his main draw debut with an impressive win, beating 2014 runner-up Gilles Simon 7-5, 6-2. Norrie broke serve on five occasions to advance after one hour and 35 minutes. The Brit will face third seed Daniil Medvedev in the second round.