Shapovalov upsets 3rd-seeded Paul to reach Dallas Open final, will face world No. 5 Ruud
Richmond Hill, Ont., native had 6 aces in 7-5, 6-3 semifinal win
Denis Shapovalov has advanced to the final of the ATP Dallas Open with an upset win over third-seeded American Tommy Paul on Saturday.
The Richmond Hill, Ont., player defeated Paul 7-5, 6-3 in the 90-minute semifinal singles showdown, two days after upsetting the top-seeded Taylor Fritz 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2).
The Canadian had six aces and four double faults, compared to Paul's two aces and no double faults.
Shapovalov won two of three break points, while Paul went 0-for-3. Shapovalov's winning percentage on first serves was 77 per cent and he won 21 points while receiving.
The Canadian will face second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway in the final. Rudd narrowly defeated Jaume Munar of Spain 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (4) in the other semifinal.
Touch of magic from Shapo 🪄<a href="https://twitter.com/DALOpenTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DALOpenTennis</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DALOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DALOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/KppCnfVd5k">pic.twitter.com/KppCnfVd5k</a>
—@atptour