It looked like a mismatch on paper and it played out the same way on the court.
Denis Shapovalov, ranked 34th in the world, needed just 48 minutes to defeat world no. 213 Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in the quarterfinals of the Stockholm Open on Friday. Shapovalov served up four aces and a 95 percent win rate on first serves en route to a 6-0, 6-3 dismantling of the German in the players' first-ever meeting.
The Canadian never faced a break point while converting five against Stebe on Friday.
...48 minutes. 😱
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) October 18, 2019
Denis Shapovalov blitzes Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 6-0, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the @IntrumSthlmOpen, dropping just *five* points on serve in the match.
Is @denis_shapo ready for his first title? Two matches away...pic.twitter.com/5ZFuD7Bo8h
“It’s amazing to be here,” Shapovalov told the on-court reporter after the match. “I think I played an amazing match and I just want to wish all the best to Stebe.”
While the 20-year-old's precision was on display against Stebe, he still showed off some of the flair that has made him a darling on the ATP Tour. In addition to using his powerful service game to full effect, Shapovalov appeared to be having fun mixing things up against his overwhelmed opponent.
Saucy 😋@denis_shapo @IntrumSthlmOpen pic.twitter.com/AnI7MHVA6l
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 18, 2019
Shapovalov advances to his fourth semifinal of the year, where he'll take on Japan's Yuichi Sugita.