Shapovalov begins title defense with dominant victory in Dallas

Defending champion Denis Shapovalov made a statement in his opening match at the Nexo Dallas Open, dismantling Spanish qualifier Rafael Jodar 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday night.

The seventh-seeded Canadian, currently ranked No. 40 in the world, needed just 69 minutes to secure his place in the last 16. Shapovalov’s performance was anchored by his powerful left-handed serve, as he fired seven aces and won five of his seven return games to overwhelm the 19-year-old Spaniard.

The victory sets up an intriguing second-round clash against American Aleksandar Kovacevic.