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Wu Yibing dumps out Denis Shapovalov in huge shock as 'hungry' Frances Tiafoe storms through at Dallas Open
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Published 09/02/2023 at 09:13 GMT
It was a day of contrasting fortunes for second and third seeds, Frances Tiafoe and Denis Shapovalov, at the Dallas Open as only one of the two stars reached the quarter-finals of the ATP Tour 250-level tournament. Shapovalov crashed out in straight sets at the hands of rising Chinese star Wu Yibing, but Tiafoe roared through with an inspired performance in front of the Texas fans.
Highlights: Wu stuns third seed Shapovalov in huge straight-sets shock at Dallas Open
Video credit: SNTV
Wu Yibing secured a huge upset as he defeated the third seed, Denis Shapovalov, 7-6(1) 6-4 to advance through to his first tour-level quarter-final at the Dallas Open in Texas.
The stunning victory over the world No. 27 instantly became by far the most significant result of the rising Chinese star's career as he continued his fine run into the last eight of the ATP Tour 250 event.
The 23-year-old stepped up the intensity in hugely impressive fashion in the opening set tie-break as he conceded just a solitary point against the big-serving Canadian to stamp his authority on the match.
"I've been playing great tennis the past few months," Wu said in his on-court interview.
"Hopefully, I can keep playing good. Thanks to all the fans [coming to] watch, especially Chinese fans. I can hear you, guys!
"I am thankful for all these injuries because it's given me a different personal experience," he continued.
"I became more mature, then I could know what I can actually achieve. Because of this, I think I play better tennis and also enjoy it more."
Wu, who was down at world No. 1869 last April, came into the tournament as the newest member of the top 100 in the ATP rankings - only the second Chinese man to achieve that feat.
Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe delighted the American fans as he stormed past compatriot Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets, 6-1 6-3, in just 58 minutes to advance through to the quarter-finals.
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Highlights: Tiafoe blitzes past McDonald to progress in Dallas
Video credit: SNTV
The tournament's second seed, who suffered a disappointing third-round exit at the Australian Open, showed superb intensity and focus as he won his first match since losing at Melbourne Park with a dominant display.
Tiafoe, who hit 15 winners and only conceded five unforced errors, said: "I played really well today. I haven't played in a couple of weeks and I'm really determined.
"I had a short Australian Open. I wanted a much better Australian Open, so I'm definitely coming in here hungry and I'm just happy I was able to put on a good show for you guys."
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The 2023 Australian Open was live and the French Open will follow on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk
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