Fucsovics Ends Shapovalov's Australian Open Dreams

20 January 2020 03:04
Denis Shapovalov arrived in Melbourne Park with plenty of expectations at the Australian Open. But Hungarian Marton Fucsovics dashed the #NextGenATP Canadian’s hopes in the opening round. Fucsovics played the more consistent tennis of the pair, defeating the 20-year-old 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-1, 7-6(3) after three hours and 13 minutes. Shapovalov saved a set point in the second-set tie-break to even the match at one set apiece, seemingly turning the tide in favour of the No. 13 seed. But World No. 67 Fucsovics maintained a steady level throughout each of the four sets, allowing Shapovalov to make mistakes in key moments. When the left-handed Canadian was in rhythm, his level was higher than Fucsovics’, frequently swooping into net to take advantage of his powerful groundstrokes. But in the battle of former Wimbledon boys’ singles titlists, Shapovalov had to dial back his aggression too often to avoid making mistakes, allowing Fucsovics openings. He snapped a seven-match losing streak against Top 20 opposition at the Grand Slams when Shapovalov missed into the net on match point. Fucsovics has enjoyed success in Melbourne before, moving into the second round here for the third straight year. The Hungarian’s best Grand Slam result came Down Under on his debut two years ago, when he became the first man from his country to make the fourth round at a major since Balazs Taroczy at 1984 Roland Garros. The 2018 Geneva champion will next face another #NextGenATP star in Jannik Sinner, or Aussie qualifier Max Purcell. Sinner currently leads that match two sets to none. Did You Know? Fucsovics had only won one of his past 12 matches against Top 20 players, defeating then-World No. 17 Nikoloz Basilashvili in Stuttgart last yearreadfullarticle

Source: Atpworldtour