Shapovalov defeats Auger-Aliassime in all-Canadian semi-final in Stockholm

Something about Sweden seems to appeal to Denis Shapovalov – and that’s great news for Canadian tennis fans.

The Stockholm Open champion the last time he was played, in 2019 (he was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), third seed Shapovalov is now a victory of defend his title after defeating compatriot No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5 on Friday in an all-Canadian semi-final.

Shapovalov, 22, of Richmond Hill, Ont., Will face World 52nd Tommy Paul of the United States in the ATP Tour 250 hard court indoor final on Saturday.

“I served and played really well today,” said Shapovalov. “It is very difficult to face Felix because we know each other so well. We have to be on top of our games when we play against each other. I was really happy with the start and the fight throughout the game.

Shapovalov, ranked 18th in the world, followed his first and only career title to date two years ago in Stockholm with a sensational run to the Davis Cup finals, helping Canada to finish second against Spain in Madrid.

When the Davis Cup kicks off later this month (Canada will face Sweden on November 25 and Kazakhstan on November 28, with Madrid’s two fixtures on Sportsnet), Shapovalov could be part of a solid punch 1- 2 with Auger-Aliassime, who did not play before the Davis Cup championship game in 2019 due to an ankle injury.

But it’s the here and now that matters most to Shapovalov after an impressive victory over his longtime friend and junior rival Montreal, who won his other two games this year. The lifetime streak is now tied at 3-3.

“The last time we played on clay (a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Barcelona) and I felt like I was a bit lost there,” Shapovalov said. “I couldn’t go out and play a full game. I knew the start was going to be very important for this game and I wanted to start very strong and that’s exactly what I did. Against a guy like Felix you have to be hot, you have to play well.

Paul, 24, will be aiming for his first career title after beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in Stockholm’s first semi-final. Paul and Shapovalov will meet for the first time on Saturday, although they have known each other well from their junior years.

“I am a huge fan of his game,” Shapovalov said. “I always thought he was playing really, really well and it was only a matter of time before he started and got a result like this week. He’s having a really good game, so it’s going to be tough. ”

Since his first career Grand Slam appearance at Wimbledon this summer, Shapovalov has struggled with his consistency, losing eight of 13 games before his soaring rise in Stockholm.

“I guess I just haven’t learned how to maintain the level I have (this week) every week yet,” he said. “It’s something I’m working on and something that I hope to learn someday. I’m 22 years old. When you have a tournament like (Wimbledon), it’s obviously tricky afterwards. Different goals, different mindset. It just took a little while for me to adjust.

After surviving a first set loss to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the quarter-finals in Stockholm, Shapovalov was strong to start against Auger-Aliassime.

A energized Shapovalov, steadily pumping his fist and letting out roars, smashed Auger-Aliassime in the opener then posted another break to come back 5-2 with a nice backhand return.

However, Auger-Aliassime fired back with a break and came close to a point from a second break to tie it at 5-5 before Shapovalov stepped up after yelling in frustration. Two back-to-back aces and a smash that caught the line gave Shapovalov the first set.

.@denis_shapo reverse side appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/h14L8ycLxP

– Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) November 12, 2021

The second set brought more drama. Tied 5-5 after the players traded breaks, Shapovalov won a point from 22 shots to go 0-30 on Auger-Aliassime’s serve with a smash after an exceptional defense from his opponent – which earned to both players an enthusiastic ovation.

Shapovalov went on to win the next two points and served for the game, completing it with an ace.

“All credit to Denis,” Auger-Aliassime said, “but it’s a big failure for me.”

Failure could be a bit of a strong word, given that 21-year-old Auger-Aliassime will make his world top 10 debut when the next rankings are released on Monday. Auger-Aliassime, who will drop from 10th to 10th place, becomes the third Canadian to reach the top 10 – after Milos Raonic and Shapovalov.

“The ranking is good, I achieved this goal,” said Auger-Aliassime. “On the other hand, I couldn’t win a title this year. I had a chance this week and I didn’t. I have to live with the consequences.

Now Shapovalov will try to do the same thing he did in the 2019 final, when he beat Serbian Filip Krajinovic for an elusive Canadian crown.

It was the only victory for a Canadian player in an ATP tournament final in the last 21 attempts. The Canadians have lost in their last 10 finals since Shapovalov’s triumph in Stockholm – Auger-Aliassime still chasing his first title after eight second.