Oz’s Blog: The Star That Keeps Rising – Denis Shapovalov
The Star That Keeps Rising – Denis Shapovalov
Hi Guys, 18 year old Denis Shapovalov was 250 in the world rankings at the start of the year in January, now as of today he is 51 in the world rankings. His magical summer started in Montreal at the Rogers Cup. First saving match points in the first round against Rogerio Dutra Silva of Brazil on Center Court going on to win 6-4 in the third set. In the second round he beat Argentinian fan favourite Juan Martin del Portro 6-3, 7-6 in the second round and the highlight of the tournament and the highlight of his career so far was beating current world number one Rafael Nadal in three tough sets. He was able to prevail 7-6 in the third and deciding set. Then in the quarter final he beat Adrian Mannarino of France 6-4 in the third and decisive set. In semi final he lost to Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Zverev went on to win the Rogers Cup beating Roger Federer in the Final. Based on Denis’ ranking from six weeks ago he had to play qualifying and win three matches to get in the main draw which he did easily. In the first round he beat world number 54 Danill Medvedev in straight sets.
In the second round he played at Arthur Ashe Stadium which is the biggest Tennis stadium in the world against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beating him in straight sets making it look easy. In the third round his opponent Kyle Edmund retired from the match due to neck injury in the fourth set. His magical run in the US Open came to an end after he lost to Pablo Carreno Busta in three straight tie breaks. After the US Open Denis lead Canada’s Davis Cup team to victory against India in the World Group playoff securing their place in the World Group in 2018. Denis has shown over the past few months that one day he might become world number one.
