Italian Open 2020: Schwartzman gets past Shapovalov in a three-set thriller


Italian Open 2020: Schwartzman gets past Shapovalov in a three-set thriller
Denis Shapovalov and Diego Schwartzman

The semi-final match at the Italian Open 2020 witnessed some phenomenal tennis between Denis Shapovalov and Diego Schwartzman, two young rising stars. The duo belongs to a minority of players who sport their caps inverse,

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The Argentine was unstoppable against the defending champion, Rafael Nadal. After beating the King of Clay, Diego was confident against Shapovalov. He won the first set 6-4 against the 12th seed.

Shapovalov’s failed comeback attempt in opening set

Diego Schwartzman

As the match began, Schwartzman was traversing the court and moving well, while Shapovalov displayed aggressive tennis. Yet, the Argentine was up with an early break. He garnered a comfortable lead with 5-2 as he was serving for the set. Shapovalov was not ready to capitulate and strived to break Schwartzman. It was only at the second opportunity that Schwartzman was able to seal the set with a hold at 5-4.

Schwartzman was up a set and ready for the next to leap forth into the finals, but Shapovalov showed no signs to surrender.

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Tables turn in the second set

Denis Shapovalov

In the second set, Schwartzman was looking firm as he continued with well-earned momentum. Shapovalov was at par until 2-2. He used the novel opportunity to put pressure on his opponent as he broke Schwartzman for the second time. At 3-2 Canadian did a successful hold and led 4-2. Schwartzman held his serve well but needed a break which he failed to harness.

Shapavalov had an upper hand as Schwartzman was making unforced errors into the net. The Canadian was serving at 5-4 to seal the set and this time the tables were turned. Schwartzman was up two break points and broke the Canadian.

At 5-5 Schwartzman struggled hard and ultimately failed as Shapovalov broke his serve to lead 6-5 and seal the set. It was an exhausting game with long gatherings as Schwartzman trailed 0-30 and was up a break 40-30 and failed to convert. Shapovalov finally held sealing the set 7-5.

The 3 Set Roller coaster ride ends with a tie break

Diego Schwartzman

In the final set Shapovalov was almost broken but saved breakpoints at 0-1, then broke Schwartzman to take a 2-1 lead in the decider. Then the next game saw Shapovalov broken. Finally at 3-2 Shapovalov was able to hold his serve and lead 4-2.

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At 4-3 Shapovalov was on the verge of being broken as Schwartzman pocketed double break points. The caandian fought back to make it deuce but lost his lead and Schwartzman made it 4-4. A tiring game filled with winners, vollies, smashes and return of smashes landed the Canadian a break.

At 5-4 Shapovalov found himself serving for a place in the finals. A quick break left both players at 5-5. At 15-15 both players had 103 points each after 2 hr 58 minutes on the court and yet there was no certain winner.

As both players held their serve, the set was pushed to 6-6. The tie break saw Schwartzman with an early 3-1 and eventually having the first match point at 6-4 and won.

Diego is through to the finals against Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open.

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Also Read: Italian Open 2020: Novak Djokovic one step away from 36th ATP master title, cruises ahead from semi-finals