Shapovalov downs Del Potro, Federer cruises past Canada’s Polansky at Rogers Cup
MONTREAL — After taking down one boyhood idol, Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov will be gunning for another at the men’s Rogers Cup.
The 18-year-old Shapovalov downed 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin De Potro 6-3, 7-6 (4) in a second-round match on a gusty Wednesday afternoon.
He advanced to a third-round meeting with Rafael Nadal, the top seed and a three-time Rogers Cup winner. The Spaniard has battled injuries in recent years but is back in the hunt for the world No.1 ranking after winning his 10th French Open title this year.
“He’s another guy I grew up watching,” said Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont. “I’ve seen him win so many Slams.