Denis Shapovalov won the third and biggest title of his career at the Dallas Open after beating Casper Ruud in the final.
Shapovalov matched a Nick Kyrgios record with his title victory, after beating the likes of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, before a concluding win over world number five Ruud in the final.
As a result Shapovalov has been able to make a significant upward movement in the ATP rankings, with having climbed 22 places up to world number 32.
This comes after Shapovalov spent nearly a year outside the top 100, between November 2023 and September 2024, following injury struggles and a subsequent loss of form.
Shapovalov had lots of promise when arriving on the tour as a teenager, and is also a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, as he now looks to get back towards his previous heights.
Denis Shapovalov says what people have got completely wrong about him
When reflecting on his victory after the match in an interview with the Tennis Channel, it was suggested to Shapovalov that he had changed his game style and was playing in a more mature manor.
“We all noticed, or we all felt this way watching this match, that you were aggressive which you have been your entire career but not foolishly aggressive, not undue risk in your aggression. Did it feel that way to you?” asked the interviewer.
However, it appears that Shapovalov does not see it in the same way and defended his game style, claiming that people misinterpret the way he plays.
“Honestly, I think that is a misinterpretation that people have,” responded Shapovalov. “When everything is lining up and things are going in for me, it seems that I am doing it unfoolishly and when I am missing it seems like I am doing it foolishly.
“If I miss that volley people will say it was a bad choice, it happens all the time, that is kind of how it is with my game. I need to go with it day in and day out.
“I try to play smart and try to figure out the opponents. But with a game style like mine when things are working it looks really good and when things aren’t working it looks like I am tanking out there.”
| Year | Shapovalov’s Title wins | Final Result |
| 2019 | Stockholm Open (ATP 250) | Shapovalov beat Filip Krajinovic, 6-4 6-4 |
| 2024 | Belgrade Open (ATP 250) | Shapovalov beat Hamad Medjedovic, 6-4 6-4 |
| 2025 | Dallas Open (ATP 500) | Shapovalov beat Casper Ruud (2), 7-6(5) 6-3 |
Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts to Denis Shapovalov’s Dallas Open win
One of the biggest achievements of the 25-year-old’s career so far came in 2022, when Shapovalov won the Davis Cup alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime for Canada.
Auger-Aliassime, who won a title in Montpellier, has since reacted to his compatriots victory in a reply to his Instagram post.
“Yesir (followed by a raised hands and strong arm emoji) congrats,” Auger-Aliassime wrote.
Despite his recent title victory, Auger-Aliassime suffered a setback at the Rotterdam Open and was forced to retire from his first round match.
Both Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are now set to take a week away from the matchcourt before playing tournaments in Doha and Acapulco, respectively.
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