2020 in Review: Denis Shapovalov downs Taylor Fritz in epic US Open clash

In one of the US Open most anticipated third-round encounters, Denis Shapovalov prevailed over Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in three hours and 26 minutes. With more than 110 winners and only 75 errors, two youngsters performed on a high level on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the American having a lead twice before the Canadian bounced back to cross the finish line first. Hitting 60 winners and 33 unforced errors, Denis defended ten out of 15 break chances given to Fritz, securing six return games to find himself over the top following a powerful performance in the decider. Taylor was the player to beat in the opener, delivering one good hold after another and breaking at 15 in game eight when Denis hit a double fault. The American closed the opener with a service winner a few minutes later, keeping that level in the second set's first half.

The returners claimed only a couple of points in the first seven games before Shapovalov secured a break at love to open a 5-3 gap when Taylor sprayed a forehand error, facing three break points while serving for the set. Staying focused, Shapovalov erased them all with powerful hitting and rattled off five straight points to take the set 6-3 after Taylor's forced error. Denis grabbed a break at the beginning of the second set and fended off break chances in game two to settle into a fine rhythm. Fritz broke back in game six following the opponent's forehand error, gathering momentum and holding at 15 with a service winner to move in front.

Denis Shapovalov prevailed against Taylor Fritz at the US Open in five sets.

The Canadian hit a double fault to get broken in game eight, pulling the break back in the next one when the American sent a forehand wide to prolong the set.

With nothing working his way on serve, Denis suffered the third consecutive break at 4-5 following Taylor's backhand down the line winner, falling two sets to one down and having to room for errors in the rest of the clash. Shapovalov suffered a break at the beginning of the fourth and found himself 5-2 down when Fritz forced a forehand error, pushing the American closer to the finish line. Taylor served for the triumph at 5-3 and got broken to keep the opponent in contention until the tie break. Denis won it 7-5 with a single mini-break, landing a perfect forehand down the line winner in the 12th point to force a decider. With a massive boost on his side, the Canadian grabbed the final set's early break and sealed the deal with another in game eight following the American's forehand mistake for incredible escape and a place in the last 16.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3mStDlo