Five points out of 143. That’s what made the difference between victory and defeat for Denis Shapovalov, Wednesday in the first round of the National Bank Open, as he lost 6-4 and 7-5 to American qualifier Brandon Nakashima.
After his disqualification in Washington last week, Shapovalov, ranked 106th in the world, was hoping to return to singles action on a high note in front of his home crowd. However, a lack of opportunism and two breaks at key moments instead pushed him towards the exit.
After giving up four break points early in the match, Shapovalov gave up one of his opponent’s only two break chances in the first set. Then, in the second, he led 40-0 in the 11th game before letting the next five points slip away, allowing Nakashima, ranked 52nd in the world, to serve for the match.
The American put the finishing touches on his second match point, advancing to the second round of the National Bank Open for the first time in his career. He won 74 points, compared to 69 for the home favourite.
“I had a lot of chances, but he served very well. Then suddenly he has a break lead, then I have a chance to break too, and I miss the return by a few millimeters,” Shapovalov lamented.
“Tennis is a tight sport. Same thing in the second set: I lead 40-0, he makes two good returns, I make a double fault and bad choices and suddenly the match is over. It’s a tough sport, you have to be mentally strong, otherwise you end up like me today.”
Disqualified from the quarter-finals in Washington against American Ben Shelton after an argument with a spectator, Shapovalov revealed upon his arrival in Montreal that he had been shaken by the officials’ decision. He had difficulty sleeping for a few nights.
Asked if this situation had an impact on his game, “Shapo” thought for a few seconds before dismissing this theory out of hand.
“I don’t know. No. Ultimately, I had those two bad games, and he stayed solid. That’s what it comes down to,” he said.
Shapovalov once again showed some signs of frustration on court. He threw his racket to the ground and then hit himself in the head with it.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself, especially here, a tournament where I want to play well and go far. It’s frustrating to lose a match when I feel like I have more chances. I was holding on, and I kind of gave him both sets. It’s very frustrating.
“This tournament means a lot to me, probably the most important one of the year. That’s why I was quite frustrated.”
Nakashima, who qualified for the main draw with victories over Quebec’s Nicolas Arseneault (1567th) and Britain’s Billy Harris (105th), will now face American Tommy Paul. The 10th seed won 6-4, 7-6 (2) against Italy’s Luciano Darderi (32nd) in the morning.
Later Wednesday, Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime and Pospisil were to be in singles action.