Denis Shapovalov was eager to reunite with the Montreal public for the first time since 2019. However, his reunion was interrupted by rain in the second set as he faced Australian Alex de Minaur last night in the first round of the National Bank Open.
• Read also: Shapovalov seeks an experienced coach
• Read also: Emil Ruusuvuori Resists ‘Stan the Man’
The Canadian was in bad shape when the rain started to fall on the IGA Stadium. The match was stopped with a score of 3-3 in the tiebreaker. The two players will therefore have to return to the field to complete their meeting this afternoon.
They will jump on the court after the matches of Vasek Pospisil and Alexis Galarneau on the central.
hotly contested
Shapovalov lost the first set 7-5. He was looking to avoid a ninth loss in his last 10 games. His last victory dates back to the first round of Wimbledon at the end of June.
We expected a tight duel and that’s what we got until the interruption due to the rain. de Minaur was in control of the duel due to his opportunism. He had landed the big shots at the right times.
Shapovalov wasn’t playing badly, but not well enough to take the lead. His style has always been aggressive. In order to find his bearings, he would have everything to gain by adopting a more conservative style for a few weeks.
However, this is easier said than done. It’s hard to play against your instincts.
Shapovalov’s first run was a reflection of his final months on the circuit. The 22nd racket of the ATP gave free points to his opponent.
On several occasions, his game lacked consistency. He missed easy shots. For example, he missed an easy volley at the net when he had de Minaur at his mercy. He sent the ball into the net. That point gave the first set to the Australian ranked 21st in the world.
A game that a high level player succeeds 90% of the time, but not Shapovalov for a few weeks. Above all, a story of trust.
At the mercy of Mother Nature
The organizers of the National Bank Open were at the mercy of Mother Nature’s whims on the first day.
The first match on the central, between the Finn Emil Ruusuvuori and the Swiss Stan Wawrinka, was to start at noon. However, due to rain and drying terrain, it started around 4 p.m.
A puzzle
The rain caused several games to be postponed until today.
Among these, there is that of the Briton Andy Murray.
Not an ideal situation, but it is part of the reality of this sport.
Montreal Tournament Director
Eugène Lapierre and his team are crossing their fingers for the rest of the event.
When the rain comes, it’s a real headache for the organization at all levels.
CENTER COURT
Starts at 11 a.m.
- Vasek Pospisil c. Tommy Paul
Followed
- Alexis Galarneau c. Grigor Dimitrov (15)
Followed
- Denis Shapovalov c. Alex de Minaur (match to be completed)
Followed
- Sebastian Baez v. Nick Kyrgios
Not before 6:30 p.m.
- Andy Murray v. Taylor Fritz (10)
Followed
- Emil Ruusuvuori c. Hubert Hurkacz (8)
ROGERS COURT
Starts at 11 a.m.
- Pablo Carreno Busta v. Matteo Berrettini (11)
Followed
- Gael Monfils (17) vs. Pedro Martinez
Followed
- Marcos Giron c. Roberto Bautista Agut (14)
Followed
- Cameron Norrie (9) vs. Brandon Nakashima
Not before 6:30 p.m.
- Diego Schwartzman (12) v. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
SHORT 9
Starts at 11 a.m.
- Marin Cilic (13) vs. Borna Coric
Followed
- Adrian Mannarino v. Arthur Rinderkneck
Followed
- Hugo Gaston c. jack draper
Followed
- Frances Tiafoe v. Benjamin Bonzi
SHORT 5
Starts at 11 a.m.
- Aslan Karatsev v. Max Cressy
Followed
- Filip Krajinovic v. Daniel Evans
Followed
- Fabio Fognini c. Holger Rune
Followed
- Benoit Pair v. Yoshihito Nishioka