The Canadian got his tournament up and running by beating the Swiss qualifier.
Denis Shapovalov is into the second round of the Stockholm Open after beating the Swiss qualifier Antoine Bellier 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 22 minutes.
The number four seed served eight aces and won 86% of his first serve points in a tightly contested match.
“I always feel like I am playing great tennis when I am here so I have a great love for Stockholm.”
The Toronto native came out blazing in the opening game as he used his powerful one-handed backhand to set up and break the qualifier who was serve and volleying.
That one break of serve was enough for the world number 20 to serve out the first set.
The second set was a tighter affair as both players held serve until 5-5 when the Canadian raised his game and on his third breakpoint of the game broke and served out the match.
After the match in his on-court interview, he was asked about his chances of winning another title in the Swedish capital.
“I think it will be very tough and every time you need to start from the beginning there are some tough players in my draw and it’s going to be very difficult but hopefully I can go all the way.”
Shapovalov will either face the American JJ Wolf or the Aussie Alex De Minaur in his next match.
In some other results on day 3 of the tournament, Holger Rune beat Cristian Garin in straight sets 7-6, 6-1 while the Brit Cameron Norrie beat Aslan Karatsev in three sets 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in three hours and four minutes.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is scheduled last on Center Court and will face the American Maxime Cressy for a spot in the quarterfinals.
