Tennis

Denis Shapovalov drops opener at Next Gen Finals

Canada's Denis Shapovalov dropped a 1-4, 4-3 (5), 4-3 (4), 4-1 decision to South Korea's Hyeon Chung in his opening match Tuesday at the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals.

18-year-old Canadian is the youngest player in the field

Canada's Denis Shapovalov returns the ball to Hyeon Chung of Korea during the ATP Next Gen tennis tournament. (Luca Bruno/The Associated Press)

Canada's Denis Shapovalov dropped a 1-4, 4-3 (5), 4-3 (4), 4-1 decision to South Korea's Hyeon Chung in his opening match Tuesday at the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals.

Shapovalov, 18, is the youngest player in a field that includes eight of the best 21-and-under players on the ATP Tour.

The tournament continues through Saturday at the Fiera Milano stadium.

Shapovalov, from Richmond Hill, Ont., reached a career-high ranking of No. 49 last month. He currently holds the No. 51 position.