Rogers Cup 2017: Shapovalov’s run comes to an end against Zverev

The unseeded Monfils played his third straight three-set match, including an upset win over fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori in the second round.

“I just told him that this is the beginning for him”, Zverev said of his fellow #NextGenATP peer.

Despite Federer showing some movement issues in the second set, Zverev was a big-hitting force throughout the match, winning his fifth title of the year.

He closed out the set with serve to the backhand that Federer dumped into the ground. He now matches Federer with five ATP singles titles on the year.

Roger Federer’s movement appeared somewhat restricted towards the end of his Rogers Cup final defeat to Alexander Zverev, but the 19-time grand slam champion reported nothing more than “aches and pains here and there” after the match.

“It’s going to be a little bit of a change to me”, he added.

“After vacation and practice, it’s always a bit of a shock for the body”, he said.

With top seed Rafael Nadal knocked out in the third round by Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, 19-time grand slam victor Federer is thick in the fight for a return to the top of the ATP list.

“I just hope I’m going to be 100 per cent ready when the moment arises”.

Kevin Anderson eased past Sam Querrey 6-4 6-1 while Adrian Mannarino beat Hyeon Chung 6-3 6-3 and will be Shapovalov’s quarter-final opponent.

Zverev, who improved to 2-2 in his career against Federer, was especially gracious in victory. This will be Federer’s 141st tennis final and he would be chasing his 94th ATP World Tour title, clinching which he could find his name alongside Ivan Lendl for second-most titles in Open Era.

The former world number one, now placed 149 in the rankings, continues to be troubled by an injury to her left forearm that she suffered earlier in the season.

Shapovalov won seven of the final eight points of the third set tiebreaker before closing out the match with a forehand victor down the line. In the absence of Novak Djokovic and defending US open champion Stanislas Wawrinka absence, the 36-year-old is well-placed to win his sixth US Open crown. Of course, I’m disappointed with today.

“I actually feel really happy because I know I can play a lot better”. “But we got to take a picture with him, which was very cool for me”.

The Swiss can still take the number one ranking if results go his way at the Cincinnati Open this week.