Denis Shapovalov has reached the US Open third round for the eighth time in his career, advancing with a 6-0, 6-4, 7-6 victory over Frenchman Luca Van Assche on Wednesday. The Canadian left-hander, now 28, has described the past several years as physically challenging but is showing renewed form at Flushing Meadows this week, according to the US Open.
What's next for Shapovalov?
Shapovalov will face No. 8 seed Ben Shelton on Friday in a primetime matchup at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton holds a 4-0 career record against the Canadian, though none of those victories have come easily. Their most recent meeting was a 7-6 third-set thriller in the Dallas semifinals this winter, and their first encounter at 2024 Wimbledon extended to five sets.
Why this moment matters for Shapovalov
The 28-year-old became an instant star in 2017 when, as a teenager, he stunned Rafael Nadal in the Montreal semifinals. This week's return to significant matches and the main draw spotlight represents a potential turning point after years of physical struggles. Shelton, a 2023 US Open semifinalist and 2025 Australian Open finalist, has expressed enthusiasm for the matchup, calling Shapovalov "an outstanding player and outstanding ball striker" and describing their encounters as entertaining.
Sources
- US Open Tennis Championships: The shine is back on Denis Shapovalov's game at the 2026 US Open. US Open Tennis Championships, 2026-09-03.
Reported from public sources.