Denis Shapovalov fell one victory shy of reaching the DelRay Beach Open final after falling to American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets Saturday, 7-5, 6-4.
Shapovalov, who breezed through to the tournament's semifinals, failed to break serve throughout the first set. But Shapovalov was also equally as successful on his own serve.
The two exchanged holds through the first five games of the opening set. Shapovalov racked up four aces to Tiafoe's one but both players remained gridlocked, waiting to see who could produce a break first.
Shapovalov (🎥@TennisTV ) pic.twitter.com/jU7UWnr3BA
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) February 25, 2018After Tiafoe broke even with Shapovalov in the fifth game, Shapovalov struggled on his serve for the first time in the match. The 18-year-old surrendered the 40-15 lead to Tiafoe, who seized the opening set from Shapovalov.
Tiafoe defeated some impressive names en route to setting up the showdown with Shapovalov. The American took down Juan Martin del Potro and Chung Hyeon, who both ranked inside the ATP's Top 30. Tiafoe entered Delray Beach the 91st ranked player in the world, and was looking for his first tournament win of the season.
Tiafoe used the late surge of the first set to his advantage against Shapovalov in the next set.
Shapovalov was unable to hold serve again as Tiafoe consolidated to take a commanding a 3-0 lead. Shapovalov was forced to make a comeback from the deficit — one that he wasn't able to complete. Shapovalov finally broke Tiafoe's serve for the first time all match at 3-2 to come within a game of tying Tiafoe. The one-game was the closest Shapovalov could come in that decisive set, though.
His back is against the wall but @denis_shapo is still fighting.
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 25, 2018
Tiafoe will serve for the final. #DBO2018 pic.twitter.com/E1efzZ0IlT
Tiafoe led 5-4 with an opportunity to serve for the match. He shut out Shapovalov to earn a berth in the tournament final.