Shapovalov Cruises Into Dallas Open Round of 16

Summary:

• Denis Shapovalov needed just 69 minutes to beat Spain’s Rafael Jodar 6-1, 6-2 in his opening match.
• The Canadian will face American Aleksandar Kovacevic next, after a dominant serving performance.
• Earlier, Gabriel Diallo was knocked out by second seed Ben Shelton in straight sets.

Denis Shapovalov did exactly what a seventh seed is supposed to do in his first match at the 2026 Dallas Open. He showed up, took control early, and wrapped things up without any drama.

The Canadian needed just over an hour to dispatch Spain’s Rafael Jodar, winning 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday night. 

Recipe for Victory: Sharp Serve, Clean Timing 

From the opening games, it was clear the matchup tilted heavily in Shapovalov’s favor. His serve was sharp, his timing clean, and he rarely gave Jodar a chance to settle into the rhythm of the match.

Shapovalov fired seven aces and consistently dictated points with his first delivery. He mixed power with variety, finishing with 22 winners and winning nine of the 10 points he played at the net. 

Even when rallies extended, he stayed on the front foot and pressed the issue, picking up 33 points on return. The match lasted 69 minutes and never really felt competitive after the opening set.

There were some loose moments. Shapovalov hit 22 unforced errors and tossed in three double faults, but none of it slowed him down. He won five of the seven games in which he returned serve and repeatedly put Jodar under pressure. 

Jodar, for his part, struggled to find answers. The Spaniard managed one ace and just three winners, while committing 19 unforced errors and winning only 13 points on return.

With the win, Shapovalov moves into the round of 16, where he will face American Aleksandar Kovacevic. It is another opportunity for the Richmond Hill, Ontario native to build confidence and momentum in a tournament where he looked comfortable from the start.

Diallo Fell to Shelton

Earlier in the day, it was a different story for another Canadian. Gabriel Diallo was eliminated in the opening round, falling 6-4, 6-4 to second seed Ben Shelton of the United States. Diallo served reasonably well, hitting six aces against three double faults and winning 81 percent of his first-serve points. What hurt him was his inability to capitalize on key moments. He had three break-point chances and came away empty-handed.

Shelton was more ruthless when it mattered. He blasted 13 aces, matched Diallo with three double faults, and won 82 percent of his first-serve points. More importantly, he converted two of his three break-point opportunities, which proved to be the difference in a tight, efficient match.