Tennis Star Denis Shapovalov Pushes World No.1 Jannik Sinner to Limit in U.S. Open Match: "I Had My Moment"
In the latest instalment of the US Open tennis tournament, a thrilling match between Jannik Sinner and Denis Shapovalov took centre stage at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Denis Shapovalov, a Toronto-based sports and current affairs columnist for the Star, Rosie DiManno's favourite subject, returned from a six-month absence due to a knee injury. He started the match on a strong note, winning the opening set against world No. 1 tennis player, Jannik Sinner.
However, Shapovalov never recovered from a break back in the fourth game of the third set. Sinner, who has been in exceptional form this year, went on a nine-game winning streak in the fourth set, engineering a mid-match pivot to secure the victory.
Sinner acknowledged that Shapovalov poses a threat due to his strong game, but admitted to struggling at times during the match. Shapovalov had a lead of 3 games to love in the second set but lost it due to several double faults.
Meanwhile, in the doubles competition, Venus Williams's killer instinct was evident. Alongside Leylah Fernandez, Williams and Fernandez defeated Eri Hozumi and Ulrikke Eikeri 7-6(1), 6-1. Fernandez was in awe of Williams's determination and killer instinct during the match, and her energy was boosted by watching the legend play.
The victory marked Williams and Fernandez's second straight win in doubles at the US Open. They will be facing a tough challenge in the next round, as they prepare to take on the winner of the match between Alexander Bublik and Tommy Paul.
Bublik is the only player other than Carlos Alcaraz who has beaten Sinner this year, making the upcoming match a highly anticipated clash. Sinner, who last won a Grand Slam tournament in 2025, will be aiming to continue his impressive form and secure a spot in the semi-finals.
As for Shapovalov, he is moving up the tennis rankings, currently inside the top 30. He will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue his rise in the world of tennis.
