Grab your racket kid, you’re heading to the main draw.
Welcome to the #USOpen! @denis_shapo qualifies for the main draw with a 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 win over Satral. https://t.co/82qFgAExxc pic.twitter.com/0eTPkAKVYB
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2017
Denis Shapovalov’s incredible month of August continued on Friday, as the 18-year-old Canadian has qualified for the US Open.
After an incredible showing at the Rogers Cup in Montreal when he captured the hearts of Canada, knocking off Rafael Nadal en route to an appearance in the semi-final, the youngster moved up the ATP rankings to 69th in the world.
But his impressive performance came after the tournament cut-off, meaning he didn’t get an automatic spot into the US Open despite his high ranking. Instead, he would have to run the gauntlet in New York, needing three straight wins against other qualifiers to earn a spot in the men’s singles draw that begins on Monday.
That’s exactly what he’s done.
He beat Denis Kudla (6-3, 6-4) in the first round of qualifying, before dusting off Gastao Elias in straight sets (6-3, 7-5). That set-up a showdown with Jan Satral on Friday and he prevailed, despite dropping the first set (6-7, 6-1, 6-3).
Here’s match point … Shapovalov completes the comeback pic.twitter.com/i2gZ8Yq3a3
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) August 25, 2017
This is Shapovalov’s second-ever appearance in a men’s singles draw. He lost in the first round at Wimbledon earlier this year.
Shapovalov will join Vasek Pospisil as the only other Canadian in men’s singles at the US Open. Milos Raonic pulled out this week due to an injured wrist that requires surgery.
Genie Bouchard is Canada’s lone representative in women’s singles.
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