Shapovalov battles past Borg to reach Nordic Open quarterfinals

STOCKHOLM: Canadian star Denis Shapovalov overcame a spirited challenge from Leo Borg and a partisan Stockholm crowd on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Nordic Open. The third seed, who lifted the trophy in 2019, prevailed 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 against the Swedish wild card and son of tennis legend Bjorn Borg.

Despite saving 11 of 18 break points and converting three of his own, Borg fell short of earning his third ATP Tour victory as Shapovalov’s experience proved decisive in the final set.

Second seed Casper Ruud of Norway began his campaign with a 7-6 (2), 6-4 win over Marin Cilic, extending his perfect record against the Croatian to 4-0. American Aleksander Kovacevic stunned eighth seed Camilo Ugo Carabelli 4-6, 7-5, 4-0 before the Argentine retired, while Sebastian Korda, Marton Fucsovics, and Lorenzo Sonego also advanced to the next round.