Canada’s Denis Shapovalov falls in a three-set battle to Italy’s Luca Nardi in the Cincinnati Open second round, ending his tournament run.
Canadian Star Faces Early Exit in Ohio
Denis Shapovalov’s campaign at the Cincinnati Open came to an abrupt end on Sunday, as the Richmond Hill, Ont., native suffered a second-round defeat to Italy’s Luca Nardi. The 24th seed fell 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 in a closely fought match at the ATP Tour Masters 1000 event.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The encounter stretched over two hours and 28 minutes, with Shapovalov taking the opening set in a tiebreak but struggling to maintain momentum. Nardi, an unseeded “lucky loser” entry into the main draw, capitalized on break-point opportunities in the second and third sets to secure the upset.
Venue and Tournament Stage
The match took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 series. The second-round clash drew considerable attention given Shapovalov’s recent performances on hard courts and Nardi’s underdog status.
Why the Result Matters
For Shapovalov, the loss marks a missed chance to build form ahead of the US Open later this month. For Nardi, the win is a significant career milestone, propelling him into the third round of one of tennis’s most competitive non-Grand Slam tournaments.
Next Steps for the Competitors
Following his victory, Nardi advances to face 16th-seeded Czech player Jakub Mensik in the next round. Shapovalov will now regroup and focus on preparations for the final Grand Slam of the season in New York.
How Fans Are Reacting
Canadian tennis fans expressed disappointment but also voiced optimism about Shapovalov’s chances at the US Open. Meanwhile, Nardi’s unexpected triumph has earned him praise as one of the event’s emerging storylines.
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