Shapovalov Shines On Serve In Montpellier

Denis Shapovalov got his campaign at the Open Sud de France off to a good start on Thursday, defeating Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-4, 7-6(1) to advance to the quarter-finals.

“Today was a really good match,” said Montpellier debutant Shapovalov on court after the match. “I think we were both serving well. It was tough to get a rhythm, but I’m very happy how I managed to play at the end.”

The #NextGenATP Canadian did not face break point and won 30 of 33 first-serve points in his one-hour, 22-minute victory. Once in rallies, Shapovalov had the match on his racquet, and his heavier weight of shot proved decisive on the big points.

The 19-year-old hopes to maintain the momentum he gathered at the start of the year in France, as he was one of three teenagers to reach the third round of the Australian Open. While Shapovalov lost to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Canadian was one of just two players to take a set from the eventual champion (also Medvedev).

The third-seeded wild card, who lost in the doubles quarter-finals with home favourite Hugo Nys on Wednesday, will next face seventh seed Pierre-Hugues Herbert or Ilya Ivashka.

“It’s definitely [going to be] tough either way,” Shapovalov said. “I’m ready for a battle.”

Did You Know?
Shapovalov is pursuing his maiden ATP Tour final and title this week. The World No. 25 advanced to the semi-finals in Delray Beach, Madrid and Tokyo last year.