Despite some difficulties in serving, Canadian Denis Shapovalov defeated Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (3), 6-3 to advance to the third round of the Madrid Tennis Open on Friday.
After giving himself a break lead at 4-1 in the second set, Shapovalov (132e) needed 16 rallies with balls in hand to maintain his lead in the next game. He was then much more incisive during his last two service games to put an end to the duel.
Registered in the main draw by virtue of his protected classification, Shapovalov defeated a second Argentinian in Madrid. He had eliminated Facundo Diaz Acosta (47e) as a curtain raiser.
Sidelined for nearly six months, he reached the third round for the second time since his return to play in January. In the next round, he will face the German Alexander Zverev (fifth), who eliminated the Croatian Borna Coric (34e) by virtue of a victory of 6-3 and 6-2.
Shapovalov twice broke Etcheverry (27e) in the first round, but each time suffered the same fate from the next game. On the second occasion, he served for the set at 6-5.
The Ontarian then gave himself three set points during the tiebreaker and took advantage of the first to end the first set in 69 minutes.
Shapovalov had eight aces in this match, but only put 58% of his first serves in play and committed 12 double faults.
Quebecers Félix Auger-Aliassime (35e) and Leylah Fernandez (35e) are also participating in this tournament and will play their second round match on Saturday.
“FAA” has a meeting with the French Adrian Mannarino (20e), while Fernandez will cross swords with the Tunisian Ons Jabeur (ninth).
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