Diallo Breaks New Ground in Madrid, Shapovalov Eliminated
In a stunning display of grit and determination, Canadian tennis player Gabriel Diallo has advanced to the fourth round of the Madrid Open, marking a significant milestone in his career. According to a report by Tennis Canada, Diallo secured a hard-fought 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over former Indian Wells champion Cameron Norrie.
Diallo, the Canadian No. 3, was only included in the main draw due to his third lucky loser spot in four Masters 1000s this year. Despite this, he showed remarkable resilience against the Brit, overcoming a number of missed opportunities in the first set and a half to wear down the former world No. 8. As noted by Tennis Canada, Diallo’s previous best result at a "big event" (Masters 1000 or Grand Slam) was the third round of the 2024 US Open.
The match was marked by a series of twists and turns, with Diallo struggling to capitalize on his early break chances. However, he persevered, eventually breaking through in the second set to level the match. In the deciding set, Diallo demonstrated his mental toughness, saving a break point at 2-3 before securing the win with a decisive break in the seventh game.
As Tennis Canada reports, Diallo will now face 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round, seeking to reach his first Masters 1000 quarter-final. Meanwhile, fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov saw his campaign come to an end at the hands of world No. 7 Alex de Minaur.
Shapovalov, who has struggled against de Minaur throughout their careers, was unable to find a spark on clay, ultimately losing in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(3). As noted by Tennis Canada, de Minaur’s defensive skills and efficient serving proved too much for Shapovalov, who was unable to capitalize on his limited break point opportunities.
The Madrid Open continues to deliver thrilling results, with top players facing challenges on the clay courts. As Tennis Canada reports, Diallo’s breakthrough performance has generated significant excitement among Canadian tennis fans, who will be eagerly following his progress in the tournament.
In related news, other top players, including Stefanos Auger-Aliassime and Bianca Andreescu, have also bowed out of the Madrid Open, highlighting the intense competition and unpredictability of the tournament. As the action unfolds, Tennis Canada will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the event.
