Denis Shapovalov, the unstoppable Canadian tennis sensation, continues his triumphant streak, riding high on his recent Dallas Open victory. His next challenge? A quarterfinal match against Marcos Giron at the Mexican Open, where he attempts to score a hat-trick against American opponents.
He recently reflected on his past struggles, “It’s been very, very difficult. There were a lot of times when I didn’t know if I was going to step back onto the tennis court, if I was even going to come back at all.” Yet courage, resilience, and unyielding spirit saw him return to the court, claim the Dallas Open title, and now outshine two American players at the Mexican Open.
Shapovalov’s opponent, Marcos Giron, is no stranger to quarterfinal appearances this season. After an impressive run at the Delray Beach Open, Giron finds himself again among the last eight contenders. His path to this match has been somewhat easier than Shapovalov’s; with compatriot Tommy Paul giving him a walkover during the Round of 16. His sole victory earlier was against Australia’s Adam Walton.
Shapovalov maintained his momentum from Dallas, triumphing over American ace Alex Michelsen with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 scoreline on February 26, 2025.
He displayed his dominance by converting four of his six break point opportunities and complemented this with three aces—despite also committing three double faults. Shapovalov stormed out of the blocks, racing to a 5-2 lead in the first set and matching it with a swift 5-1 advantage early on in the second.
Conversely, Michelsen struggled to find his rhythm, managing only two successful breaks from five attempts. He did not score any aces and faced five double faults throughout the match.
Now, Shapovalov is set to face Giron on Thursday for the coveted semifinal spot. Historically, Giron holds the upper hand against Shapovalov with a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head encounters. The last time they played, Giron took the victory on January 7 at the Adelaide International tournament.
Despite Giron’s edge, Shapovalov’s current form and confidence could pivot the balance. Giron’s limited court time might also play to Shapovalov’s advantage, as any rustiness could affect Giron’s performance.
Shapovalov, currently ranked 32 after previously being ranked as high as 10, is known for his explosive playstyle. His bold shot-making and the spectacular leaping backhand are crowd-pleasers, especially on quick surfaces. Yet, he has struggled with unforced errors—a constant area where improvement is needed.
On the other hand, Giron is recognized for his solid baseline presence and consistent serve, thriving especially on hard courts. His potent forehand aids his game, as he expertly retrieves balls and extends rallies. Yet, he may need more firepower to contend against Shapovalov's dynamic playing style.
Looking forward to this quarterfinal clash, Giron is expected to mount a strong challenge. That said, Shapovalov’s recent performances suggest he could emerge victorious, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
With the tennis world watching, the match on the courts of Acapulco signifies not just another game, but Shapovalov’s chance to solidify his resurgence and possibly create more history at the Mexican Open.
Shapovalov’s path has been paved with difficulties, yet each match seems to be adding to his story, creating anticipation for what may yet come.
Victories like his over Michelsen fuel the narrative of resilience, marking Shapovalov as not just another player but as one whose presence commands attention on the international stage.