Denis Shapovalov can finally breathe. After two singles losses against Germany and Italy, the Ontarian put his team in an enviable position in Sunday’s Davis Cup final, beating Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in two sets of 6-2 and 6 -4.
The start of the tournament had been frustrating for Shapovalov. He had played two quality games against Jan-Lennard Struff and Lorenzo Sonego, but he had been unable to make the difference with the magic that we know him.
The lefty was probably saving the best for last. The sunny Shapovalov finally showed up in Malaga, just in time for his most decisive match of the tournament.
He had an appointment with the 95e world racket and Shapo manhandled him from start to finish.
PHOTOJON NAZCA, REUTERS
Thanasi Kokkinakis
The 23-year-old Canadian started the match with brilliant return and serve plays. Quickly, he understood that it was by letting Kokkinakis shoot himself in the foot that he was going to take advantage. More skilful in doubles, the Australian has never been in on it. He accumulated unforced errors while Shapovalov had fun returning all his balls with ease and skill. Kokkinakis recorded more than double his opponent’s unforced errors in the first set, ending 6-2 in favor of the Canadian.
More and more “Let’s go Shapo” sounded as the match progressed and the crowd favorite got comfortable for the first time in the tournament. Shapovalov was playing inspired. He even allowed himself a few crossover and parallel jumping backhands as only he knows how to do them. Kokkinakis was kept alive thanks to his first balls, but the Canadian was on a mission.
He concluded the match with a huge serve on the T that his rival could not bring back. He threw himself into the arms of Vasek Pospisil after the game and the whole bench was in jubilation, because Canada is one victory away from winning the Davis Cup.