Denis Shapovalov lost out in the BMW Open by Bitpanda quarter-finals, defeated by fellow lefty Alex Molcan 6-4, 6-4 on Friday.
The Canadian No. 3 struggled on his delivery throughout most of the match. The 27-year-old from Richmond Hill only got 52 per cent of his first serves in play and, on his second, he only won 41 per cent of those points while committing seven double faults. The Canuck did finish with more than double Molcan’s winners tally, but his 35 unforced errors were the difference, compared to the Slovak qualifier’s nine.
Shapovalov’s biggest challenge early on was his second delivery. The Richmond Hillian conceded just two points through his first pair of service games, both coming off double faults. The 27-year-old got himself out of some for the time being, saving three break points at 2-2, love-40; however, on Molcan’s fourth opportunity, the Slovak pounced on Shapovalov’s second serve for the break. Over that span, the Canadian was perfect on his first serve, but won only three of ten points on his second.
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At 3-5, 30-40, some fearless drop shots led Shapovalov to the crucial hold, forcing Molcan to serve for the opening set. The world No. 166 comfortably held to love and sealed the set.
To begin the second, Molcan extended his point streak to eight after breaking from love-40 in the opening game, consolidating the loss of serve with a hold for the 2-0 edge.
Shapovalov found his game in the sixth game, powering himself to his first break points of the day at 3-2, 15-40, where the pressure led to a Molcan double fault and loss of serve. Unfortunately for the Canadian, the response was short-lived as the Slovak immediately broke back and added a hold to lead 5-3.
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The Canuck managed to save break point in the ensuing game, but Molcan closed out the match on his delivery at 5-4, holding to love and booking his place into his first ATP semifinal since 2023.
Feature Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
