Finishing his 2025 Grand Slam campaign on a high note, Denis Shapovalov has played some excellent tennis in New York.
Having won just two main draw matches across the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, Shapovalov has already matched that tally at Flushing Meadows.
In round one, Shapovalov made light work of Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, defeating him in three sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.
Carrying that momentum forward, Shapovalov knocked out Valentin Royer in the second round of the US Open, securing the win in four sets.
He’ll likely have a tougher time of things in the third round, taking on world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner, although the Canadian star welcomes the challenge.
Denis Shapovalov is ‘definitely looking forward’ to third-round match with Jannik Sinner
Shapovalov and Sinner have played once before on the ATP Tour, at the 2021 Australian Open.
On that occasion, Shapovalov picked up the win in five sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
During his post-match press conference, Shapovalov reflected on his win over Sinner four years ago.
“I remember it was a very tough match back then,” he said.
“I believe I won in five, but it was a lot of back and forth, and it was a very difficult first round for both of us, I think!
“It was definitely a great match to look back on, but of course, a lot has changed.
“I think Jannik [Sinner] has improved tremendously since that as well, and I believe so have I. It has been a few years now.
“So I am definitely looking forward to another match-up with him, and these are the type of matches that I live for. I enjoy playing it, so I am looking forward to it.”
The world number 29 is well aware of the talent Sinner possesses, as he briefly shared the tactics he intends to use in their third-round match.
“He has got a lot of strengths, being the player that he is. He does not have many weaknesses. Obviously, he is solid from everywhere,” said Shapovalov.
“I am going to have to dictate and try to play my game and go for my strokes.
“I don’t think, he is not going to give too much away for me in the match, and I just have to take what I can with him and take my opportunities as well when I get them and try to stay aggressive and not let him dictate too much.”
Shapovalov knows it will be difficult to secure a second straight win over Sinner, but that’s not to say the Italian is full of confidence either…
Jannik Sinner knows he has to be ‘very careful’ against Denis Shapovalov
The world number one didn’t have much trouble reaching the third round of the US Open, winning his first two matches in straight sets.
- 2025 US Open 1R – Jannik Sinner defeated Vit Kopriva, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2
- 2025 US Open 2R – Jannik Sinner defeated Alexei Popyrin, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Remembering his defeat to Shapovalov back in 2021, Sinner knows that he’ll have to be at his best in round three to continue his march towards the US Open title.
“It was a very, very tough match. Some years ago now,” said Sinner.
“He has improved, same as me, so we are in a different position from two, three years ago.
“But it’s going to be very, very tough, very difficult. He is a very talented player with huge potential, so let’s see what’s coming. I’m expecting a very tough match.”
The 24-year-old was then asked to highlight Shapovalov’s biggest weapons.
“Well, he’s unpredictable. A big serve. Physically, he is strong. He’s very fast, and he doesn’t have any holes in his game,” said Sinner.
“He knows how to do everything, and that’s going to make it very difficult.”
Excited by the prospect of a challenging third-round tie, Sinner admitted he needs to ‘be very careful’.
“I’m looking forward to it. A long time since I last faced him, so let’s see. It’s going to be a new challenge again, and hopefully it’s going to be a good match,” he said.
“This is all we are hoping for.
“But yeah, he has huge potential. He has shown this over and over again, so I have to be very careful.”
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in their second career meeting, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action when Sinner and Shapovalov battle it out for a place in the fourth round of the US Open on Saturday, August 30.
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