Denis Shapovalov, Francisco Cerundolo win in Belgrade | ATP Tour

Match Report

Shapovalov downs Borges in Belgrade for milestone win

Cerundolo sees off Safiullin at indoor hard-court ATP 250 

November 06, 2024

Denis Shapovalov is rounding off his comeback season in style with an impressive run at the Belgrade Open.

The 25-year-old produced a near-flawless performance on Wednesday to defeat fifth seed Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4 and advance to his 40th tour-level quarter-final. Shapovalov, who came through qualifying, was clinical on serve throughout the match, during which he won 91 per cent (31/34) of points behind his first delivery, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“It was a fast-paced match today, I started really well out the gates,” said Shapovalov, who broke Borges’ serve in the opening game. “I kept the momentum going. I’ve been playing well all week, so I am very happy with another win.

“It’s one of the best wins of the season for me, so I’ll enjoy it a little bit and then I’ll start thinking about the quarter-finals.”

SUPER DENIS 🌟@denis_shapo is into his 4⃣0⃣th tour-level QF 🫡#BelgradeOpen pic.twitter.com/sgXP1d9Rl7

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 6, 2024

Shapovalov’s 2023 season was cut short by a knee injury, but the Canadian has made a steady return to action throughout this year. With his 64-minute win, the former No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings is into his third tour-level quarter-final of 2024 (Washington, Basel).

Shapovalov will next face Christopher O’Connell for a spot in the last four after the Australian fired past Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-1.

Earlier, Francisco Cerundolo served up some revenge by ousting Roman Safiullin and levelling the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 1-1. The third seed, who fell to Safiullin in the first round of Wimbledon in July, dialled in for a 6-4, 6-4 win.

Cerundolo fired six aces and saved each of the two break points he faced en route to a one-hour, 31-minute triumph. In his 22nd tour-level quarter-final, Cerundolo will face Serbian wild card Hamad Medjedovic.