Denis Shapovalov earnes Stockholm Open final spot over Auger-Aliassime

It will be a battle of North America in Stockholm tomorrow with American Tommy Paul set to face Canadian Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian is the defending champion having won the event in 2019 when it was played last. He will have a chance to go back-to-back but he will need to play as good as he did today. This was by far his best performance this week and he deservedly advanced to the finals.

From the start it was apparent Shapovalov was feeling himself as he broke Auger-Aliassime in the first game. He attacked every shorter ball whether it came to his forehand or backhand and ventured to the net quite often to finish off points. Auger-Aliassime made it easier for him by struggling immensely with his serve hitting it way below 50 %.

That did not get better over the course of the first set which Shapovalov won with 6-4. Auger-Aliassime labored during his service game and only a late push softened the blow in the first set as he was down 5-2. The 2nd set was very competitive as well and for a moment it saw Auger-Aliassime be the better player. He broke Shapovalov for a 3-2 lead but failed to win his next service game making it 3-3.

It was a huge missed chance for Auger who played rather well at that time. His play remained stable for a few games but at 5-5 he faced serving woes again and it proved his doom. Shapovalov broke him for a 6-5 lead after which he closed it out with 7-5.