Slow Starts Cost Shapovalov Against Fritz in Miami Round Three – Tennis Canada

Denis Shapovalov was unable to recreate his upset win over Taylor Fritz last month in Dallas on Monday at the Miami Open as the Canadian fell to the world No. 4 in straight sets. Shapovalov was the last Canadian competing at the 1000-level event. 

Early breaks in each set cost the Canadian as he found himself facing 0-3 holes both times. While he managed to make a set of it in the first, the deficits proved too big and he bowed out with a 7-5, 6-3 loss in just under 90 minutes. 

Despite a fairly consistent first serve, Shapovalov only won 62 per cent of his first serve points and had six double faults. He also had 29 unforced errors to Fritz’s 13. Converting break points was key, as both men had four chances to break but Shapovalov only managed one while being broken three times. 

A nightmare opening service game for the Canadian put him at an early disadvantage. Two unforced errors and a double fault gave Fritz a love-40 opening and on the second break point, Shapovalov framed a forehand to surrender his serve. Fritz needed just eight minutes to race ahead 3-0. 

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Shapovalov had a chance to break back in the fifth game when a huge return led to a break point, but Fritz fired a forehand winner. When the American served for the set, however, he got tight and Shapovalov took advantage. After missing a pair of break point chances at 15-40, some big hitting from the Canadian gave him a third look and this time Fritz netted a backhand to put the set back on serve. 

While he managed to claw back to 5-5, Shapovalov played another terrible game to give up the late break. Back-to-back double faults put him in a love-40 hole and he sliced a midcourt forehand wide to give Fritz a second chance to serve out the set, which he did. 

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Just like the first set, an error-filled first service game cost Shapovalov. He double-faulted to give Fritz a break point and netted a backhand to once again give the American an early lead. That was all Fritz needed as neither man saw another break point the rest of the way. Fritz won his last 14 service points in a row to seal the win. 

It is now on to the clay for the Canadians on the ATP and WTA tours. 

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