'I'm physically really fresh,' Denis Shapovalov serve dominates in Dubai

March 18, 2021

‘I feel physically really fresh,’ Denis Shapovalov dominates on serve to reach Dubai semis

Denis Shapovalov has become the first semi-finalist in Dubai after defeating veteran Jeremy Chardy to continue a strong career debut at the tournament.

Denis Shapovalov triumphed over the Frenchman in straight sets, 7-5 6-4, taking full advantage of his opportunities by converting both of the only two break points of the match to win.

‘[It was] definitely a very tough match, Jeremy [Chardy] was serving and playing very well I thought,’ Shapovalov said following his win.

‘I’m definitely happy to be playing straight set matches. Of course, it helps in the long run in the tournament, so for sure I feel physically really fresh.

‘Also because I haven’t been playing too many tournaments.’

The Canadian dominated on serve with 10 aces to Chardy’s zero, winning 26 of 28 points on his first serve (93%).

Shapovalov has now reached his 12th career semi-final and first of 2021, and will play either South African Lloyd Harris or returning Japanese star Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals.

‘Both are extremely difficult. Kei’s got a lot of experience, he’s a very tricky player, he’s very very solid,’ Shapovalov said of Nishikori.

‘I practised with Lloyd a couple of weeks ago in Dubai. He’s a very tough player, up-and-coming, with a very big serve and really big forehand.

‘So, definitely both opponents to watch out for and hopefully I can be ready for them.’