Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov are into the quarterfinals of the 2018 Japan Open after both came away with victories on Tuesday.
Raonic defeated the 273rd-ranked Yosuke Watanuki in straight sets, winning 6-3, 7-6(2).
It was a typical performance for the 20th-ranked Raonic, whose powerful serve resulted in 15 aces. The 27-year-old showed some versatility in his play, winning 15 of 20 points at the net as he rolled to victory over his overmatched opponent in an hour and 24 minutes.
Milos Raonic took the match to 3rd round!!!#rakutenopen #rakutenopen2018 #atpworldtour #atp500 #tokyo pic.twitter.com/rxRbZjhZKA
— 楽天オープンテニス (@rakutenopen) October 3, 2018
Raonic moves on to face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinal round.
Shapo downs Wawrinka
Later Tuesday, the 31st-ranked Shapovalov required three sets to take down former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka.
It was actually the 33-year-old Swiss veteran that took the first set before Shapovalov stormed back to claim the final two en route to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Shapovalov struggled through some sloppy play to open the match and finished with six double faults and 31 unforced errors - including a missed open court swinging volley for one of his three match points. He won 80 percent of his first serve points, but just 47 percent of his second serves, as Wawrinka proved a difficult challenge for the teenager.
It probably didn't help the 19-year-old Shapovalov's nerves that he was facing someone he grew up idolizing.
“It didn’t even hit me until I walked on the court with him and he was on the other side and I couldn’t help but almost smile in a way. It kind of got to me, I got a little bit tight but I refocused and I thought to myself, ‘Okay it’s not Stan’,” Shapovalov said after the match. “It was great to be on the court with him. It’s a dream come true. But it’s one of those memories I’m never going to forget. It’s one of those 'what you live for' moments. It’s a great day today.”
The young Canadian would eventually find his rhythm to claim another impressive victory over an ATP Tour stalwart.
Oh Canada! 🇨🇦@denis_shapo converts his 5th match point to take out 2015 Tokyo champion Stan Wawrinka 4-6 6-1 6-4. #rakutenopen pic.twitter.com/awFoRSa0Bt
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 3, 2018
Shapovalov awaits the winner of Jan-Lenard Struff and Jeremy Chardy.