NEW YORK | It was one of those marathons that only Grand Slam tournaments can offer. But Denis Shapovalov, the last Canadian competing at the US Open, finally stumbled a few meters from the finish line.
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“Shapo” led two sets to one against the Russian Andrey Rublev, seeded ninth, before losing this third round meeting 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (3), 6-4 and 7-6 (7 ).
During the four hours of play on the Grandstand, the third largest field in Flushing Meadows, we had time to see all the facets of the 23-year-old player.
The dominant, explosive and spectacular Shapovalov. But also the angry, nervous Shapovalov and, above all, who lacked opportunism in certain key moments.
Four match points
Because without having the Russian completely in the cables, the Canadian was well aware that his rival of the day, a player he knew well for having already faced him four times, was also nervous.
The 19e The top-seeded saved four match points late in the final set, but she was never able to keep up the pace in the super tiebreaker.
Photo AFP
After the winning point, Andrey Rublev dropped to the ground.
While Rublev dropped to the ground after the last ball was played, Shapovalov threw his racquet at arm’s length, visibly annoyed.
But, a few moments later, the Ontarian would join his opponent on the other side of the net for a long hug. Like two marathon runners proud of their performance, even if only one could cross the finish line in the lead.
” It is sad. We both presented an excellent level, pointed Shapovalov in front of the journalists. A lot of credit goes to Andrey, he played an exceptional match. »
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a game after playing so well,” he added. The more the tournament progressed, the more I felt that my game was falling into place. But it motivates me to do even better next time. »
Ailing quadriceps
This third round and this great performance against 11e world player come to put a light balm on a difficult year for Shapo, who showed a record of 19-18 before the US Open.
In front of an excited crowd, who seemed to enjoy the show, the Canadian slammed no less than 76 winners, often using his superb one-handed backhand to open the field.
But if he certainly managed 23 aces, he also committed eight double faults, some of them at two critical moments, including the end of the first round.
Photo USA TODAY Sports
There are certain shots that Denis Shapovalov would have liked to take back.
“Of course, there are shots that I would like to see again, but it’s the same for both players, analyzed Shapovalov. I’m sure Andrey would also like to play some match points again. »
As in a real marathon, the 19e favorite also explained that he was caught by his body in the last kilometers. After so much tennis, his quadriceps hurt.
“But I’m happy with the way I fought, the way I fought. […] It’s a tough loss to take, but I did everything I could and Andrey was a bit better. »