His confidence sky-high after eliminating a number of the match’s large names earlier within the week, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov performed a few of his finest tennis when it mattered most on Sunday.
The consequence was a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway within the closing of the Dallas Open.
It was the third profession title for the left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ont., and first ATP 500-level crown.
“I just felt like I had to go for it against Casper,” Shapovalov mentioned in a phone interview as he loved a post-match meal. “Obviously he’s a super-tough opponent. I was swinging away trying to really play tough. I tried to play to win today.”
WATCH | Shapovalov downs Ruud to seize Dallas Open title:
Richmond Hill, Ont., native Denis Shapovalov defeats second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (5), 6-3 for an upset win within the closing of the Dallas Open. The Canadian beat the highest three seeds within the match en path to his third profession ATP title.
Shapovalov had a 13-5 edge in aces and gained 72 per cent of his first-serve factors. He saved the lone break level he confronted and wrapped up the win in a single hour and 40 minutes.
The Canadian took down the highest three seeds over the week. He beat high seed and world No. 4 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. within the second spherical and upset third-seeded American Tommy Paul, the world No. 9, within the semifinals.
The fifth-ranked Ruud offered one other stiff problem. Shapovalov used his booming floor strokes and deft brief sport to maneuver the Norwegian across the court docket.
Shapovalov additionally stepped up with some aggressive play within the tiebreaker.
A scorching backhand down the road gave him a 3-1 edge and mini-break. Ruud bought again on serve at 5-6 earlier than sending a forehand return into the online on set ball.
“I felt like I really tried to go for my serves, not hold back, but play smart obviously and work the points by really playing to win and really going for my shots,” Shapovalov mentioned. “I got a little bit lucky with some good passes and I was able to serve really [well] in that tiebreak.”
Give him his trophy 🏆🤌
Denis Shapovalov 🇨🇦 wins the most important title of his profession 🤩
He defeated three High 10 gamers, together with Casper Ruud within the closing, to say his third crown on the ATP Tour 🔥@nationalbank pic.twitter.com/XIMkTBB4ei
Shapovalov took management by profitable the primary three video games of the second set. He transformed an overhead smash on match level to lock up the most important title of his profession.
Shapovalov will rise 22 positions to No. 32 when the up to date world rankings are launched. It is going to be his highest place since September 2023.
Shapovalov is the primary participant in six years to safe wins over three top-10 gamers in a single ATP 250 or 500 occasion. Nick Kyrgios was the final to take action in Acapulco in 2019, when he beat Rafael Nadal, John Isner and Alexander Zverev.
“You have to play aggressively — especially me,” Shapovalov mentioned. “I feel like that’s where I excel and that’s where I’m able to play my best tennis. I’m happy that I’ve been able to do it consistently over a few matches this week.”
“It’s definitely not easy to keep that up against tough opponents. It’s definitely a great title for me.”
A former top-10 participant, Shapovalov battled accidents over the previous couple of seasons and at one level slipped all the way in which right down to No. 140. He pulled out of Canada’s current Davis Cup qualifier tie in opposition to Hungary because of a again damage.
“I definitely feel very beat up,” he mentioned. “It has been a tough week, especially playing a lot of late matches. It puts more stress on the body for sure.”
All three of his ATP Tour titles have been on indoor onerous courts. He additionally gained in Stockholm in 2019 and in Belgrade final yr.
It was Shapovalov’s first win in opposition to Ruud in three head-to-head matchups.
