Lob and Smash
Fansided

Denis Shapovalov: strong start at 2018 Indian Wells Masters

By Harry Floyd

ACAPULCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 28: Denis Shapovalov of Canada takes a backhand shot during a match between Dominic Thiem of Austria and Denis Shapovalov of Canada as part of the Telcel ATP Mexican Open 2018 on February 28, 2018 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
ACAPULCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 28: Denis Shapovalov of Canada takes a backhand shot during a match between Dominic Thiem of Austria and Denis Shapovalov of Canada as part of the Telcel ATP Mexican Open 2018 on February 28, 2018 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Denis Shapovalov is off to a fantastic start at the 2018 Indian Wells Masters. While he remains an underdog, he has a shot at a deep run.

Denis Shapovalov wins his opener at the 2018 Indian Wells Masters. The 18-year-old Canadian phenom is someone to watch throughout the action this month.

Winning in straight sets, the young Canadian tennis star defeats Lithuania’s Ričardas Berankis. Shapovalov takes their meeting, going 6-3, 6-4. The Lithuanian qualifier had won two matches prior to his meeting with Shapovalov.

Although he is unseeded at the Indian Wells Masters, do not discount the young Canadian tennis star. He has already reached career heights in recent months. Now, he is the world No. 44 in men’s singles tennis and he continues to make a name for himself on the ATP World Tour.

Related Story: Bouchard: 2018 Predictions

Denis Shapovalov is searching for his 1st career ATP singles title.

While a Masters 1000 title win seems like a bit of a stretch for such a young player, Shapovalov has proven that he will be vying for contention amongst the best in men’s singles tennis for years to come. At such a young age, he is showing himself to be an enormous talent on the ATP World Tour. He takes on a solid veteran next at Indian Wells. Facing Pablo Cuevas in the round of 64, it is difficult to tell if Shapovalov is much of an underdog. Cuevas has the experience behind him to go along with his No. 30 seeding this week. He is the current world No. 34 in men’s singles tennis and has six career ATP singles titles to his name.

Next: Top 10 All-Time Men's Tennis

Look for Denis Shapovalov to carry his newfound momentum into his next match. The young Canadian tennis star is without a doubt someone to keep an eye on at the 2018 Indian Wells Masters. Check back to see how far he can progress in the action and if he can indeed get past the veteran Pablo Cuevas next at the Masters 1000 event. Stay tuned to see how all of the men’s singles action at Indian Wells unfolds. As of right now, Roger Federer remains the heavy favorite. The Swiss great is the defending champion and is off to a stellar start so far on the 2018 ATP World Tour. He is in action later this week at Indian Wells.

Home/ATP