Denis Shapovalov edged past Sebastian Korda 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-2 to advance to the second round at the US Open at the Billie Jean King naational Tennis Center in New York.
Shapovalov hit 13 aces and 35 winners and converted four of fourteen break points. He fended one of his two break points.
Shapovalov broke serve in the 10th game of the first set. Korda (the son of former world number 2 and 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda) hit a backhand long, as he was serving at 4-5 15-40.
Korda earned a late break in the ninth game with a forehand winner to win the second set.
Shapovalov broke serve in the sixth game to win the third set 6-3. The North American star converted his fifth break point in the sixth game to win the fourth set 6-3.
“I just have to find it within myself. Obviously it’s a little bit weird when you are playing alone. I feel like when I am pumped up like that. I play my best tennis. I am really trying to focus on that. I think I did a really good job today. Sebastian has a great potential. It was not an easy match. I am really happy to get the win today”, said Shapovalov. Shapovalov set up a second round match against either Soonwoo Kwon or Thai Son Kwiatowski.
