MELBOURNE: Denis Shapovalov upset an out-of-sorts Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(5), 6-3 in broiling heat to reach his first Australian Open quarter-final on Sunday (Jan 23).
The Canadian lefthander was magnificent against the German third seed, earning one of his biggest career victories at Margaret Court Arena.
Shapovalov blew a match point with a wild forehand into the tramlines but wrapped up the contest when Zverev netted under pressure.
“Definitely happy with where the game is at,” said the ecstatic 22-year-old, long tipped for success at the Grand Slams.
“I think off the ground I was just really playing very well, really feeling my shots off both wings.”
The 14th seed will meet Rafa Nadal for a place in the semi-finals.
“It’s always an honour to go up against a guy like Rafa,” Shapovalov said of the Spanish great, who is bidding for a record 21st Grand Slam title.
“It’s always going to be a battle against him. It’s going to be a tough one but I’m going to enjoy it.”
It was a disappointing exit for Zverev, who was bundled out of the quarter-finals by Novak Djokovic last year.
Late last year Zverev suggested he and Russian Daniil Medvedev might become part of a new “Big Three” with world No 1 Djokovic in the 2022 season.
