Shapo overcomes Opelka serve to make fourth round

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.