Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts It’s your girl Mia Johnson-Carter from Miami, and I’m super excited to share some amazing news from the world of tennis. In this article, we’re diving into the thrilling journey of Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov as he powers into his first final since 2022 at the Belgrade Open.
Denis Shapovalov, who has been on a mission to regain his form, recently showed off his aggressive game plan in a dominant victory over Jiri Lehecka. The 78th-ranked Shapovalov swept Lehecka 6-2, 6-1 in just 56 minutes, celebrating Lehecka’s 23rd birthday with a stunning win. This victory marks Shapovalov’s first Tour-level final since he was runner-up to Daniil Medvedev in the Vienna final back in October 2022.
“Against a guy like Jiri, if you don’t go after him, he’s going to dictate the court,” Shapovalov said. “So for sure I was trying to play my game, play aggressive, really take it to him from the beginning.” This strategy clearly paid off as Shapovalov served 68 percent, won 25 of 26 first-serve points, and did not face a break point throughout the match.
Shapovalov’s path to the final is not without its challenges. He has faced some tough opponents this season, including opening-round losses in Montreal and the US Open. However, his recent performance in Belgrade has been nothing short of impressive. The victory vaults Shapovalov into the Belgrade final against home hero Hamad Medjedovic.
Medjedovic, a 21-year-old wild card from Serbia, has been making waves in the tennis world with his impressive play. He recently squeezed out a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(2) win over Laslo Djere in an all-Serbian semifinal. This victory makes Medjedovic the third-youngest Serbian man to reach an ATP final after Novak Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic.
The Belgrade final between Shapovalov and Medjedovic will be an exciting clash of styles and strategies. Both players are known for their aggressive play, but Shapovalov’s recent form suggests he might have the upper hand. This match will be closely watched by tennis fans around the world as both players look to claim their first ATP title.
If you want, you can check out the news where I found it here.
Yours truly,
Mia
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