Canada’s Shapovalov drops 6-4, 6-1 decision to Zverev in Madrid Open semifinal

Thiem beat Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-2 in the early semifinal.

Shapovalov enjoyed a breakout performance at last summer’s Rogers Cup in Montreal before falling to Zverev in the semifinals. The 19-year-old Canadian will crack the top 30 when the updated ATP world rankings are released.

“It’s been an amazing week,” said Shapovalov. “Obviously it’s tough to feel positive after a loss always. Yeah, it’s been a tremendous week. Getting my first win on the ATP Tour on clay here, yeah, making semifinals of such a big tournament, I could never imagine to do so.”

In women’s play, Petra Kvitova outlasted Kiki Bertens 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3 to claim a record third Madrid Open title. The two-time Wimbledon winner celebrated the hard-fought victory when Bertens hit a backhand long on the final point after nearly three hours.

Kvitova previously won on the Madrid clay in 2011 and 2015. This third win took the Czech’s career total to 24 titles, including four in the first five months of 2018.

The final was evenly contested, with both players getting three breaks each while saving many more chances.

The key moment came when Bertens appeared to have swung the momentum back in her favour by pulling back a break in the third set, only for Kvitova to strike right back and recover the advantage for a 5-3 lead. She served out for the championship.

“It feels great, it does not matter if it is the first, second or third title,” Kvitova said.

The roof of the Caja Magica was closed without play being interrupted when it began raining in the second set.

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With files from The Canadian Press.

The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Canada’s Shapovalov drops 6-4, 6-1 decision to Zverev in Madrid Open semifinal

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