STOCKHOLM, October 19, 2019
Denis Shapovalov and Filip Krajinovic will go head-to-head in Sunday’s singles final of the Intrum Stockholm Open. Shapovalov defeated Japanese lucky loser Yuichi Sugita 7-5, 6-2 in the stage of the final four.
The No. 4 seed from Canada struck 11 aces and won 90 per cent of his first-service points to reach his first title match on the ATP Tour after one hour and 17 minutes.
Denis Shapovalov. @ATPTour finalist.
This will most probably become a regular recurrence in the coming decade(s), but remember it happened here first 😏#SthlmOpen | @denis_shapo pic.twitter.com/jweg0Ntjal
— Intrum StockholmOpen (@IntrumSthlmOpen) October 19, 2019
“It feels amazing. Kind of a tough beginning. I think he played really well at the beginning,” Shapovalov said. “I was a little bit nervous, so I’m really happy to turn the match around.”
Krajinovic rallied past fifth seed Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. The 27-year-old from Serbia capitalized on five of his eight break point chances to prevail after two hours and nine minutes.
“I’m so happy right now. It was a great battle, Carreno Busta is an amazing player,” said Krajinovic, who is also pursuing his first ATP Tour crown.
“I don’t know him much. Obviously I’ve seen him play here and there, but he looks like he’s got a pretty big serve. He likes to go for his shots, pretty similar to me. I think it’s going to be an exciting match,” Shapovalov said, quoted on the ATP Tour website. “To be honest, I’m just happy to be through to my first final. The rest, I just get to enjoy. Obviously I’d love to win the match and win my first title, but if not, it’s a big step to make the final this week, so I’m really happy with where I stand.”
