World No. 11 Denis Shapovalov qualified for the second round of the French Open on Tuesday by beating Gilles Simon, in four sets of 6-2, 7-5, 5-7 and 6-3.
Shapovalov showed determination, especially during the 78-minute second set, where he was initially down 2-5, before saving five set points two games later.
He was also well served by his 34 points gained at the net in 48 attempts. The winner also took advantage of the shaky service of his opponent, whose mood swings were numerous and especially well heard in a covered stadium and in front of a few hundred scattered fans.
Some of his remarks were even directed at Shapovalov, who might have liked the presence of an interpreter on the pitch:
“You are driving me crazy. I don’t want to play against a left-hander anymore by the end of the year!” Shapovalov said.
Simon notably committed 12 double faults. The match, lasting three hours and 29 minutes, was also marked by 18 service breaks, the first of which occurred from the initial game of the game and during the three last.
Shapovalov will compete in the second round the Spaniard Roberto Baena Carballes, 102 th world, which made short work of the American Steve Johnson in three expeditious sets 6-1, 6-1, 6-0. The Canadian has never managed to reach the third stage in Paris.
Novak Djokovic on the other hand, he was hardly worried and signed a 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 victory over the Swede Mikael Ymer in a match played under the roof closed from Philippe Chatrier court. The Serbian had nine breakages against Ymer. He dominated 32-12 in the winning stroke column.
“It was suffocating. He multiplied the balls in the corner of the field and made very few mistakes. Its accuracy is incredible.” Ymer said.
