Denis Shapovalov tops Nishesh Basavareddy

Denis Shapovalov is off to a winning start in Acapulco. Ther Canadian is seeking his second consecutive ATP 500 title after conquering Dallas, edging closer to the top-30 return. Denis faced Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round and won 7-5, 6-2 in an hour and 38 minutes. 

The young American took a set away from Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, unveiling his potential. He fought well in the opener against Shapovalov and served it at 5-4. Basavareddy wasted a set points and lost confidence, dropping nine of the final 11 games. 

Denis served at terrible 46% and sprayed nine double faults. He faced five break points and defended three. The Canadian took half of the return points and created 12 break chances. Nishesh lost serve five times and ended his campaign in the first round. 

WOW what a forehand angle that was from Denis Shapovalov!

Looking very sharp the last few weeks!!#atp#Acapulco 500 pic.twitter.com/jR0Wo7Ccp0

— David Keltz (@David_Keltz) February 26, 2025

Shapovalov tamed his strokes nicely and landed 31 winners and 28 unforced errors. The young gun embraced a 13-26 ratio and stood inferior from the baseline. Basavreddy wasted a game point in the fourth game of the duel and lost serve after a forehand error. 

Nishesh responded with a drop shot winner in game five, pulling the break back and returning to the positive side. Denis played another loose service game at 4-4, spraying a double fault and pushing his rival in front. The American served for the set in game ten. 

He saved a break point with a crafty winner at the net and generated a set point. Shapovalov saved it with a forehand down the line winner and converted the second break point after drawing the rival’s error for 5-5 and more drama. 

Nishesh lost his focus and netted a routine forehand in game 12, offering his rival two set points. Denis seized the first when his rival landed a backhand wide, rattling off three…