World No. 253 Denis Shapovalov (CAN) has upset third seed and world No.78 Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) at the East Hotel Canberra Challenger 2017 in a stunning second round victory 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
“This is my second week back [on court] after break,” Shapovalov said. “It’s very good to be back, and [now] in the quarterfinals, so I’m very happy.
The Canadian teen was cool and calm after the match, however said there were some important moments during the match that made all the difference.
“There was one moment where I thought the ref made a bad call. It was 0-30 on my serve, so it was a little bit of a tough situation. But I did a good job of putting a lot of [my] first serves in, digging my way out of that game.
“PH2 [Herbert] is a very good player, so it’s a great win for me.”
Shapovalov will face three time 2016 Challenger tour champion and world No.86 Steve Darcis (BEL) in the quarterfinals on January 12.
“I know he likes longer rallies and he’s a very crafty player, I’ve seen him play quite a bit.
“I’m going to try and be a little bit more aggressive, try and do a couple of different things, but we’ll see during the match how it goes.
“I go into every match the same way and I’m going to prepare the same and just go out and play my game.”
Popular unseeded Australian player Sam Groth (VIC) also progressed into the quarterfinal round defeating second seed and world No.68 Gerald Melzer (AUT) in hot, blustery Canberra conditions.
Groth said he felt lucky to win again after playing another in-form opponent.
“For me, I’ve got nothing to loose,” he said.
“All these guys are pretty much ranked above me, Gerald [Melzer] especially and now Dudi [Sela]. For me it’s all about building, getting that ranking back, and hopefully it’s going to turn into a good week.”
After missing an opportunity to take the match in the third, Groth took out his frustration on his racquet.
“I try not to, it’s not ideal, but you know, I had to let a bit of frustration out.
“It’s better that you let it out I think, it may not be the best way to do it, but it’s better that it’s out and you don’t carry it, and end up losing the match.”
After the match, 11-year-old Tennis ACT ballkid squad member Jay Trageagle was given the smashed racquet by Groth.
“I’m very happy, it’s a great pleasure to get a racquet from him,” he said.
Groth continued “It’s great to have the crowd out here. The more support I can get, it would be great, as I’m the only Aussie left in the draw, [so] hopefully everyone gets behind me.”
Wildcard Andrew Harris (AUS) was close to defeating top seed Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) after equaling the match in the second set. However Struff proved why he is the world No.63, closing the match 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in 1 hour and 43 minuets.
Day 4 preview: Quarterfinals
Thursday 12 January 2017
ORDER OF PLAY – singles
CENTRE COURT
11:00 am
[1] Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) vs [5] Konstantin Kravchuk (RUS)
Not Before 1:00 pm
Denis Shapovalov (CAN) vs [6] S.teve Darcis (BEL)
Not Before 3:00 pm
[8] Dudi Sela (ISR) vs Sam Groth (AUS)
COURT 5
1:00 pm
[7] Carlos Berlocq (ARG) vs Alejandro Falla (COL)
Tournament information including full daily Order of Play can be found here.
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