Denis Shapovalov is into the second round of the Italian Open after beating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 in three hours and 10 minutes.
The Toronto native hit 35 winners and served three aces in a match that had it all, including a bit of drama. In a dispute over a line call, Shapovalov climbed over the net to point out the mark which is against the rules and resulted in him being penalised. Resulting the highly animated Canadian demanding to speak with the supervisor. During the conversation he shouted ‘shut the f*ck up’ towards the boisterous Italian crowd.
“I think it was an unbelievable match, unbelievable atmosphere. Obviously a lot of things happened in the heat of the moment. I need to be better with my behavior. I have apologized,” Shapovalov said afterwards.
“But it was a good match, good tennis. It was fun to be out there. It was very electric. Definitely one of those matches that sticks with you and enlightens you.”
The first two games of the match went on serve and at 1-1 it was the Italian with the first chance to break. He converted to take an early 2-1 lead and the match stayed on serve untill 4-3 when the Canadian pushed hard to get the break back.
At 5-4 with the world number 28 serving for the first set, he had a set point but Shapovalov dug deep and was able to save it. After four breakpoints he was able to crack the Italian and the set went back on serve at 5-5.
The opener needed to be decided by a tiebreaker and at 3-2 it was the world number 16 with the first break and that was enough for him to steal the first set.
The second set stayed on serve until 4-3 when a bit of controversy happened when Shapovalov was given two point penalties, one for swearing at the crowd and another one for crossing the net to look at a mark he was contesting.
After a brief conversation with the supervisor Sonego was given the break and was able to serve out the second set to send the match into a third and deciding set to the delight of the Italian fans.
With a Davis Cup atmosphere the Canadian bounced back and after holding serve in the opening service game. He then broke the Turin native to take an early 2-0 lead and cruised from there to serve out the match.
Shapovalov was asked in his on court interview if the last set was more tennis or a mental game.
“It was a lot of both, I think I had to step up my level and he was playing some great tennis but also calming myself down after that mistake in the second set.” He replied.
The Canadian will next face Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia after he Daniel Evans in straight sets and the Georgian holds a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head.
