Denis Shapovalov is into the semifinals of the 2018 Delray Beach Open after defeating Taylor Fritz of the United States 7-5, 6-4 on Friday.
In a battle of two up-and-coming North American tennis stars, 18-year-old Shapovalov and 20-year-old Fritz engaged in a battle that may be a glimpse of the future. Shapovalov and Fritz were dressed in identical outfits from their shared athletic apparel sponsor, and there was very little separating the two players on the tennis court either.
After Fritz won the match's opening game, Shapovalov claimed the next. The Canadian, who is becoming known for his backhand, used the shot to keep pace with his opponent.
.@denis_shapo’s in his first quarterfinal of 2018, and his backhand’s on point early. Catch his bid for a spot in the @DelrayBeachOpen semis LIVE! #ElShapo #DBO2018 pic.twitter.com/0VCFjvJvUK
— DAZN_CA (@DAZN_CA) February 23, 2018
The players traded games in the first set until the American held a 5-4 lead, at which point Shapovalov reeled off three straight games to claim the set.
Current mood: free 😂#DBO2018 pic.twitter.com/ZiFJvEw4k4
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 23, 2018
The second set proceeded in much the same manner as the first, with Fritz and Shapovalov trading games in the early going until the Canadian teen pulled away for good.
First semifinal of 2018 for @denis_shapo, and just the second of his career. 💪
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2018
Defeats Taylor Fritz, 7-5, 6-4 at @DelrayBeachOpen. #DBO2018 pic.twitter.com/1eJmat8xmo
Shapovalov will meet the winner of Hyeon Chung and Frances Tiafoe on Saturday.