By Alberto Amalfi | Saturday, October 19, 2019
Denis Shapovalov streaked through 11 of the last 14 games stopping Yuichi Sugita 7-5, 6-2 to surge into his first ATP final in Stockholm.
Photo credit: Stockholm Open Facebook
The semifinals had been a stumbling block for Denis Shapovalov.
Today, Shapovalov turned the semifinals into a springboard.
Watch: Tipsarevic Bids Farewell in Emotional Speech
The 20-year-old Canadian streaked through 11 of the final 14 games stopping Yuichi Sugita 7-5, 6-2 to surge into his first ATP final in Stockholm.
The left-handed Shapovalov snapped his streak of seven straight semifinal losses with a superb serving performance.
"Sugita played a great tournament, great match today," Shapovalov said. "I knew going into it, it's gonna be very tough. I've played him only once before, but that was a really long battle so I know he's not an easy match so I'm really happy to get the win today."
Recovering from a break down at 2-4 in the opening set, Shapovalov served 55 percent, pumped 11 aces and won 28 of 31 first-serve points.
The fourth-seeded Shapovalov broke in the seventh game then broke again for a 6-5 lead. Shapovalov served out the first set at love. Shapovalov broke to start the second set, broke again to stretch his lead to 4-1 and closed with conviction.
"I'll give it all I have," Shapovalov said of the final. "Obviously, I'm not satisfied just yet. Lifting the title would mean so much to me, so I'll give it my all tomorrow."
In Sunday's final, Shapovalov will face Filip Krajinovic.
Earlier, Krajinovic battled by Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
The 60th-ranked Serbian, like Shapovalov, is seeking is first ATP title.
"I'm so happy," Krajinovic said afterward. "It was a great battle. Carreno is an amazing player. He is former Top 10 so I knew it was going to be very difficult. Playing in the Stockholm final is a dream come true."
Krajinovic converted five of eight break points in a two hour, nine-minute triumph that sent him into his first final since he lost to Matteo Berrettini in the Budapest final in April.
"For sure I will give my best," Krajinovic said. "It's my third ATP final and I still didnt' win. And I hope tomorrow is gonna be my first one. But I know it's gonna be very difficult...For sure I am playing my best tennis this week. I beat so many good guys."