The Canadian claimed victories over three high 10 gamers en path to Texas title
Canada’s Denis Shapovalov claimed his third ATP title, and the largest of his profession up to now, with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over World No. 5 Casper Ruud of Norway within the closing of the 500-level Dallas Open on Sunday.
Including to his victories on the ATP 250 occasions in Stockholm (2019) and Belgrade (2024), the 25-year-old’s triumph in Texas was the primary of his profession over Ruud having misplaced their earlier two conferences, each on clay, in Geneva (2021) and Rome (2022).
Showing in his eighth ATP Tour closing, Shapovalov’s run included wins over two different high 10 opponents, the US’ Taylor Fritz (No. 4) and Tommy Paul (No. 9) within the second spherical and semi-finals respectively. By beating Ruud, the Canadian turned the primary participant on tour to beat three high 10 gamers on the similar event this yr.
In Sunday’s championship match, Shapovalov took the primary set to his opponent, leaning on his serve to hit 12 aces to the Norwegian’s two. Finally, it went to a tiebreak, which the Canadian held his nerve to win 7-5. Within the second, he continued on the entrance foot, and broke Ruud on his first service recreation to edge in entrance. It was a lead Shapovalov didn’t relinquish as he noticed out the set 6-3.
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“There’s quite a bit to be pleased about, after all it’s the largest title of my profession,” mentioned Shapovalov in his post-match, on-court interview. “I had a great likelihood in opposition to [Daniil] Medvedev a few years in the past, however he performed a terrific match after dropping the primary. So, I’m actually pleased to remain robust this time and get the win.”
“Congratulations to Denis on his third-career ATP title and his first ATP 500”, mentioned Guillaume Marx, Vice President of Excessive Efficiency at Tennis Canada. “He has performed magnificent tennis this week with spectacular wins in opposition to three high 10 opponents, together with the USA’s No. 1 and No. 2 gamers. At this time’s victory over Casper Ruud was the crowning second and reveals that he’s undoubtedly again to his highest degree after his comeback from damage simply a yr in the past.”
Shapovalov’s victory will safe his return to the world’s high 50 for the primary time since October 2023 when the rankings are up to date on Monday, with him anticipated to climb to No. 32.
