Top Seed Denis Shapovalov Crashes Out of Sofia Open 2020

At the 2020 Sofia Open, the Canadian Denis Shapovalov met Moldovan Radu Albot for the first time in his career. They faced one another to qualify for the quarterfinals round, where the Canadian met his end in the tournament. However, World No. 12 will take back his special flying backhand as a memento of the loss.

Shapo was the ATP Newcomer and Most Improved Player in 2017; he had turned professional the same year. Formerly a Top 10 player, the 21 years old Canadian has been unable to crack any big event this year. And, despite being the top-seed in Bulgaria, Denis couldn’t get past the 30 years old Moldovan player.

Denis Shapovalov lost to Radu Albot 6-2, 6-4

Adding to his many quick exits this year, Shapovalov will be very disappointed with his performance today. Although the Canadian managed to hit 6 aces, he couldn’t convert any of the breakpoints. The high-point for him in the match was a jewel of a flying backhand shot in the first set.

For Radu Albot, the glory is now a couple of steps away. The only player from his country to win ATP singles and doubles title, Radu will look to make the most of this win. The story is, however, not the same for Denis Shapovalov as he misses out on his big preparation for the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Denis will make his next stop in London

Among the biggest of the players in tennis, Denis Shapovalov will be standing 10th in the queue. The Canadian has an underlying potential in him which is still to come to the surface. On that note, the ATP year-end finale is a perfect opportunity for the young players to show their worth.

Following this major upset, the morale of Denis Shapovalov would definitely be affected. This will be a test of his temperament to come back strong from the drought as the finale is not very far. Even though the top-ranked players will be striving to win in London, upsets like today are not uncommon in tennis.

The Canadian is a promising young player in tennis, and the same level of tennis will be expected from him in London. The question is will be stand up to the stakes or will he slip out just like today?