Denis Shapovalov is into the second round of the Open Banc Sabadell in Barcelona after beating the Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in straight sets 6-3, 7-5 in cold and cloudy conditions.
Sporting a Nike bandana instead of his usual cap for the first time in a long sleeve black shirt, it was the world number 14 who went to work early on in match after earning a breakpoint and breaking the Frenchman’s opening service game.
At 3-1 the Canadian had two more chances to go up a double break and he would do just that with a trademark one handed backhand winner to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
However, the double break didn’t last as the world number 51 stormed back the next game by putting pressure on the Toronto native and breaking right back. At 5-3 with Chardy serving to stay in the set the world number 14 earned a set point with another stunning backhand winner and he would go on to win the opener.
The second set was rather similar to the first with the Canadian holding serve and looking once again for the early break. He did it again breaking the very next game and at 3-1 was put under pressure once again but this time he wouldn’t break and held serve.
The very next game the world number 14 tried to extend his lead but the Frenchman hung in and held serve before recovering the break the very next game putting the set at 4-4.
At 5-4 Shapovalov earned a match point on Chardy serve but he saved it and hold serve. The Canadian would get a second look at a match point at 6-5 and this time would convert to take the match.
Shapovalov will next face either Lorenzo Musetti or Felix Auger Aliassime in the third round with that match scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11:00am.
In other results of the day eighth seed David Goffin beat Pierre Hugues Herbert 6-2, 6-4, Frances Tiafoe beat the Spaniard Carlos Alacarez 6-4, 7-6 (2) and Alexander Bublik beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.
