Dallas Open Semis Round-Up: Denis Shapovalov stuns Tommy Paul to set up final clash with Casper Ruud
ATP
The ATP 500 Dallas Open has its two finalists. Denis Shapovalov pulled off an upset by defeating world No. 9 Tommy Paul in straight sets, while Casper Ruud advanced without much trouble after overcoming Jaume Munar in a tight match that was decided in a third-set tie-break.
Ruud advances in a tough battle
The Norwegian, currently ranked No. 5 in the world, had a strong start, securing two breaks to take an early lead. However, Munar fought back in the second half of the second set, showing a higher level than Ruud. The Spaniard broke serve at 4-5 and had the opportunity to close out the set on his serve, but Ruud immediately broke back. In the tie-break, the Norwegian showcased his composure and experience, prevailing in the crucial moments.
Both players were solid on serve, with Jaume Munar landing 67% of his first serves compared to Casper Ruud’s 72%. Ruud hit four aces and committed two double faults, while Munar recorded six aces and one double fault.
Shapovalov shines against Paul
Denis Shapovalov made a statement in Dallas, defeating home favorite Tommy Paul, who had just broken into the top 10 for the first time in his career this week. The Canadian, showing flashes of his best form, delivered an outstanding serving performance. He landed 64% of his first serves, winning 78% of those points, and did not face a single break point throughout the match.
Shapovalov sealed a 7-5, 6-3 victory in just over 1 hour and 34 minutes. This will be his sixth career singles final, having previously won two titles, the most recent in Belgrade in 2024.
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mandoist07-02-2025 - Ouch!!mandoist07-02-2025
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- This is just getting beyond ridiculous!! Not to mention unsportsmanlike and unfair to serious up & coming contenders.mandoist06-02-2025
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Sueiyin04-02-2025 - "If Novak did this, he would be defaulted for life. WTF." 🤣 WTF sounds like What Tennis Fury?! What Tennis Flurry??! I mean, se-rious-ly, it was actually the unfairness of the silly umpire's decision that is the issue here! Further, how come it was Gurin & his team who got disqualified? If this kind of thing happens in soccer, it would be the other guy getting the yellow or red card! Because after all, it was the Belgian who's foul it was so why then penalize the opponents for something they didn't instigate? Fouls in both basketball and soccer are read as a hinderance that has been caused by the player who INITIALLY instigated the hinderance. In this case, okay, it is tennis, but while the precise rules are different to either soccer or basketball, the same type of recognition as to whoever instigates a hinderance should apply, and in this case, it was the Belgian player.Sueiyin04-02-2025
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