Denis SHAPOVALOV (CAN) celebrates during Round 2 of the Australian Open on Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park in Melbourne on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT Morgan Hancock/TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Canadian Denis Shapovalov moved into the fourth round at the Australian Open on Friday, seeing the challenge of American Reilly Opelka 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Shapovalov had to battle against the big serve of the 6’11” Opelka, eventually winning through in four sets in a three hour tussle.
“It was a tough one out there against Reilly,” Shapovalov said.
“You really have to take your chances and I am happy with the way it went. Thank you guys for all of the support.”
Shapovalov had to adopt a style of play to compete against the big serve, standing close to the baseline.
“I knew he was going to hit one or two aces but I tried to get my racquet on as many as possible,” Shapovalov said.
“Early on I found a rhythm on his serve, I was able to chip quite a lot back which I was happy about. I think I did a good job taking the chances.”
Shapovalov will face Alexander Zverev in the last 16 if the German can overcome Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot.
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