2021 Wimbledon: Denis Shapovalov wins five-set thriller against Karen Khachanov
10th seed Denis Shapovalov reached the semi-finals of 2021 Wimbledon after beating Russian 25th seed Karen Khachanov. Shapovalov took the first set before conceding the next two. However, he completed the chase, coming back to win the last two sets. Shapovalov won the match 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 to advance. He will face world number one Novak Djokovic next. Here's more.
The 22-year-old Shapovalov has extended his Grand Slams win-loss tally to 24-14. He now has a 6-3 win-loss record at Wimbledon. He has a 7-1 win-loss record at Slams in 2021 (also Australian Open). This was Shapovalov's second career meeting against Khachanov. Shapovalov has a 2-0 record after having earlier beaten Khachanov at the Davis Cup finals.
As per Opta, Shapovalov is the first Canadian player to reach the Men's Singles semi-finals at Wimbledon since Milos Raonic in 2016. He is also the first player born after 1/1/1999 to reach a Grand Slam semi-final.
Reaching a maiden semi-final at a Slam event will boost Shapovalov's confidence. The youngster had only won four tour-level matches on the grass surface before reaching the Queen's semi-finals last month. However, he has backed that run to reach the semis of the most prestigious grass courts of all. Shapovalov faces the mighty Djokovic next, who beat Marton Fucsovics in straight sets.
"There were so many times where I thought Karen was too good and going to roll away with the match," said Shapovalov, who shook his head and laughed in disbelief after claiming a famous victory.
