Denis Shapovalov has performed one thing not seen in six years because the 25-year-old is the primary participant since Nick Kyrgios to beat three top-10 gamers en path to successful an ATP 500 title.
On Sunday, the Canadian – who entered the event ranked at No. 54 on this planet – beat world No. 5 Casper Ruud 7-6 (5) 6-3 within the Dallas Open ultimate for his first ATP 500 title.
Denis Shapovalov© Dallas Open/Instagram – Honest Use
Earlier than beating the Norwegian, the previous world No. 10 additionally upset world No. 4 Taylor Fritz and ninth-ranked Tommy Paul.
The final participant to beat three top-10 gamers on his technique to successful a event from the ATP 500 class was Kyrgios, who defeated Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev and John Isner in 2019 Acapulco.
After noticing that Shapovalov pulled off his feat, the Australian congratulated him by saying: “Well done bro! DOPE STAT.”
Effectively performed bro! DOPE STAT https://t.co/FkAqdHSysq
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) February 9, 2025 Shapovalov did not put huge expectations on himself however his confidence was there
In addition to beating Ruud, Fritz and Paul, the Canadian additionally beat world No. 25 Tomas Machac and former world No. 27 Miomir Kecmanovic.
“So I knew I have the game to beat them and also I didn’t have the expectations — if I lost, it would’ve been okay. I was able to play freely and go for it,” the Dallas Open winner mentioned.
For Shapovalov, this was his third ATP title.
Beforehand, he received ATP 250 titles in 2019 Stockholm and 2024 Belgrade.
“There’s a lot to be happy about. Of course it’s the biggest title of my career,” the 25-year-old mirrored.
“I had a good chance against [Daniil] Medvedev a couple years ago [in Vienna, 2022], but he played a terrific match after losing the first. I’m really happy to stay strong this time and get the win.”
Shapovalov, who missed the complete second half of 2024 after sustaining a knee harm throughout 2024 Wimbledon, additionally famous that there was a time when he even feared if he would be capable to resume his profession.
