Denis Shapovalov has done something not seen in six years as the 25-year-old is the first player since Nick Kyrgios to beat three top-10 players en route to winning an ATP 500 title.
On Sunday, the Canadian – who entered the tournament ranked at No. 54 in the world – beat world No. 5 Casper Ruud 7-6 (5) 6-3 in the Dallas Open final for his first ATP 500 title.
Denis Shapovalov© Dallas Open/Instagram – Fair Use
Before beating the Norwegian, the former world No. 10 also upset world No. 4 Taylor Fritz and ninth-ranked Tommy Paul.
The last player to overcome three top-10 players on his way to winning a tournament from the ATP 500 category was Kyrgios, who defeated Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev and John Isner in 2019 Acapulco.
After noticing that Shapovalov pulled off his feat, the Australian congratulated him by saying: “Well done bro! DOPE STAT.”
Well done bro! DOPE STAT https://t.co/FkAqdHSysq
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) February 9, 2025
Shapovalov didn’t put big expectations on himself but his confidence was there
Besides beating Ruud, Fritz and Paul, the Canadian also beat world No. 25 Tomas Machac and former world No. 27 Miomir Kecmanovic.
“So I knew I have the game to beat them and also I didn’t have the expectations — if I lost, it would’ve been okay. I was able to play freely and go for it,” the Dallas Open winner said.
For Shapovalov, this was his third ATP title.
Previously, he won ATP 250 titles in 2019 Stockholm and 2024 Belgrade.
“There’s a lot to be happy about. Of course it’s the biggest title of my career,” the 25-year-old reflected.
“I had a good chance against [Daniil] Medvedev a couple years ago [in Vienna, 2022], but he played a terrific match after losing the first. I’m really happy to stay strong this time and get the win.”
Shapovalov, who missed the entire second half of 2024 after sustaining a knee injury during 2024 Wimbledon, also noted that there was a time when he even feared if he would be able to resume his career.
Tennis World USA