Denis Shapovalov has a knack for playing Canada out of tight spots in the David Cup. His first action of the 2018 tournament on Friday was no different.
Canada was down 1-0 to Croatia after Vasek Pospisil dropped the opening rubber of their Davis Cup series against Croatia, but Shapovalov leveled the series with a convincing straight set victory.
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The 18-year-old defeated Viktor Galovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win in his first match of the Davis Cup, the second match of the day. It marks his fourth career Davis Cup victory.
😱What. A. Point.😱
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 2, 2018
🇨🇦 @denis_shapo earns a break advantage in the third set against #Galovic , winning a sensational point in the process 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/BV9dMpo43R
Shapovalov showed many of the court characteristics that have buoyed the 18-year-old to become the 48th-ranked player in the ATP. He was dominant on his serve, whipping up 10 aces to Galovic's one. He was tactical in his shots, using cross-court sequences to set up his opponent while mixing in a strong backhand that the rising star has come to be known for.
That backhand pass 😳@denis_shapo is cooking early, and ahead in the first set of his #DavisCup tie (@TennisCanada) pic.twitter.com/jhRM3aHypT
— Sporting News Canada (@sportingnewsca) February 2, 2018
Shapovalov also didn't surrender a break-point the entire match, which lasted an hour and 50 minutes, while producing four-of-12 himself. He hit 22 winners compared to 10 for his opponent.
Heading into Osijek, Shapovalov was looking to bounce back after a disappointing second-round loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Australian Open Jan. 17. Tsonga defeated five-set thriller (3-6, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5) rallying down from a 2-1 deficit and gaining a measure of revenge after the teen knocked him out of the U.S. Open back in August.
The Canadians will face off against the Croatians on Saturday morning with a doubles match featuring Pospisil and Daniel Nestor with a chance to take their first lead of the series.