(Stockholm) Denis Shapovalov was finally able to start the defense of his Stockholm Open title, won in 2019, by beating qualifier Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (1), 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The 22-year-old Canadian had to wait two years before defending his only title on the ATP circuit, since the 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic.
Shapovalov, third seed and 18e world racket, will face the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, striker of Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 6-1.
Ranked fourth and eighth, Dan Evans and Frances Tiafoe also reached the quarter-finals in two sets. The two tennis players will compete for their place in the aces.
Andy Murray will later face favorite Jannik Sinner in the final game in the round of 16.