Indian Wells Masters 2019: Denis Shapovalov falls to Hubert Hurkacz in fourth-round upset

Rudi Schuller

Indian Wells Masters 2019: Denis Shapovalov falls to Hubert Hurkacz in fourth-round upset image

Denis Shapovalov's run at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open is over after the 19-year-old Canadian lost 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 to World No. 67 Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday at Indian Wells, Calif.

There was little to separate the two players in the opening set, with just one break point opportunity between them. Shapovalov had the chance to go up 5-4, but Hurkacz fought back to hold serve, and eventually, a tiebreak was needed to decide the set.

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Hurkacz outlasted the Canadian in the tiebreak, giving him the unlikely first-set victory to open the match.

Things looked better for Shapovalov to start the second frame, as he managed to break Hurkacz's serve to go up 2-0. However, Hurkacz returned the favour immediately then won the next game to even the score as the two players continued their neck-and-neck battle. Shapovalov shrugged it off and cruised through the remainder of the set, forcing a deciding frame.

Hurkacz ultimately showed better on the day, and the third set belonged to the up-and-coming Polish player.

Next up for Shapovalov is the Miami Open, with the Canadian teenager looking to improve on a Round of 16 finish at last year's tournament.

Rudi Schuller