His confidence sky-high after eliminating a few of the event’s large names earlier within the week, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov performed a few of his greatest tennis when it mattered most on Sunday.
The outcome was a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway within the last of the Dallas Open.
It was the third profession title for the left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ont., and first ATP 500-level crown.
“I simply felt like I needed to go for it in opposition to Casper,” Shapovalov mentioned in a phone interview as he loved a post-match meal. “Clearly he is a super-tough opponent. I used to be swinging away making an attempt to essentially play robust. I attempted to play to win right this moment.”
WATCH | Shapovalov downs Ruud to seize Dallas Open title:
Richmond Hill, Ont., native Denis Shapovalov defeats second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (5), 6-3 for an upset win within the last of the Dallas Open. The Canadian beat the highest three seeds within the event en path to his third profession ATP title.
Shapovalov had a 13-5 edge in aces and received 72 per cent of his first-serve factors. He saved the lone break level he confronted and wrapped up the win in a single hour and 40 minutes.
The Canadian took down the highest three seeds over the week. He beat prime seed and world No. 4 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. within the second spherical and upset third-seeded American Tommy Paul, the world No. 9, within the semifinals.
The fifth-ranked Ruud introduced one other stiff problem. Shapovalov used his booming floor strokes and deft quick sport to maneuver the Norwegian across the court docket.
Shapovalov additionally stepped up with some aggressive play within the tiebreaker.
A scorching backhand down the road gave him a 3-1 edge and mini-break. Ruud bought again on serve at 5-6 earlier than sending a forehand return into the online on set ball.
“I felt like I actually tried to go for my serves, not maintain again, however play good clearly and work the factors by actually taking part in to win and actually going for my photographs,” Shapovalov mentioned. “I bought a little bit bit fortunate with some good passes and I used to be in a position to serve actually [well] in that tiebreak.”
Give him his trophy 
Denis Shapovalov 
wins the most important title of his profession 
He defeated three High 10 gamers, together with Casper Ruud within the last, to say his third crown on the ATP Tour 
@nationalbank pic.twitter.com/XIMkTBB4ei
Shapovalov took management by profitable the primary three video games of the second set. He transformed an overhead smash on match level to lock up the most important title of his profession.
Shapovalov will rise 22 positions to No. 32 when the up to date world rankings are launched. It is going to be his highest place since September 2023.
Shapovalov is the primary participant in six years to safe wins over three top-10 gamers in a single ATP 250 or 500 occasion. Nick Kyrgios was the final to take action in Acapulco in 2019, when he beat Rafael Nadal, John Isner and Alexander Zverev.
“It’s a must to play aggressively — particularly me,” Shapovalov mentioned. “I really feel like that is the place I excel and that is the place I can play my greatest tennis. I am completely satisfied that I have been in a position to do it constantly over just a few matches this week.”
A former top-10 participant, Shapovalov battled accidents over the previous few seasons and at one level slipped all the best way all the way down to No. 140. He pulled out of Canada’s latest Davis Cup qualifier tie in opposition to Hungary as a consequence of a again damage.
“I undoubtedly really feel very beat up,” he mentioned. “It has been a troublesome week, particularly taking part in lots of late matches. It places extra stress on the physique for positive.”
All three of his ATP Tour titles have been on indoor arduous courts. He additionally received in Stockholm in 2019 and in Belgrade final 12 months.
It was Shapovalov’s first win in opposition to Ruud in three head-to-head matchups.
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