Shapovalov Yells at Crowd as Canadians Gain Momentum in Rome
For the first time during the 2022 clay swing, all 4 Canadians entered into a tournament are still alive after Round 1.
Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu all have secured wins in their first one or two matches with a few fireworks included:
Denis Shapovalov Yells at Italian Crowd
Denis Shapovalov came through a tough first round matchup against Italian Lorenzo Sonego. As the crowd was clearly backing the Italian, Shapovalov took the first set, but the second set is where the fireworks ensued.
After disputing a line call, Shapovalov crossed the net (illegal) to show umpire Richard Haigh a mark on the other side of the court.
While Haigh calmly told Shapovalov that he was wrong, he also informed him that crossing the net was a violation and he was forced to give Shapovalov a point penalty.
Enter a now classic Canadian tennis moment:
Click to 1:30 for the line of the night.
Shapo did well to regain his emotional control in set 3 and secured the win and followed it up with another - less eventful - win over Basilashvilli in R2.
This sets up a potential rematch with Rafa Nadal in the 3rd Round if Nadal is able to overcome Isner on Wednesday, which is likely.
Bianca Secures Win over Injured Raducanu
It was a battle of the much discussed similarities between the two WTA stars.
Both Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu :
Were born in Ontario, Canada
Have Romanian heritage
Won the US Open as teenagers
Both have dark hair… etc. etc.
Uncanny similarity set the stage for an epic battle that wasn’t to be.
Andreescu came out firing breaking Raducanu’s serve twice in the first set and making only 2 unforced errors while raining down winners from both wings.
Raducanu threw in the towel in Set 2 after her back would not sort itself out.
Andreescu plays Spanish Lucky Loser Nuria Parrizas Diaz in R2.
Watch The Slice’s exclusive interview with Bianca Andreescu discussing her return to tennis!
Leylah Fernandez Beats (14) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Rome
Leylah Fernandez got a much welcomed win over the 14th Seed in the WTA Draw in Rome. Fernandez has struggled to get a good run at an event together since her title defence in Monterrey, Mexico in March.
Fernandez plays Russian Daria Kasatkina in R2 at the Foro Italico, another tough test for you young Canadian.
Auger-Aliassime Beats Red Hot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
In a battle of the acronyms FAA won a tough 3 setter vs Monte Carlo finalist ADF from Spain. Felix has been struggling with his consistency and form on the clay, but this win was a good one to show that he is moving in the right direction.
He will play the winner of (12) Diego Schwartzman and Marcos Giron in Round 3.
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Stephen Boughton is the Founder of The Slice and is currently in Switzerland, covering the tour. Follow on Twitter