Internazionali BNL d’Italia: Denis Shapovalov Becomes Canada's no.1, Reaches Second Round After Tough Match With Tomas Berdych

Canadian Denis Shapovalov has reached the second round as he debuted with a win over Czech Tomas Berdych at the Internationali BNL d'Italia In Rome.
Denis, 19, who is the youngest player to reach the semi-finals of Madrid Open, defeated the Tomas in three sets 1-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5) after two hours of play.
The Czech player had a convenient win at the first set but that form did not last as the Canadian became more aggressive, overpowering Tomas with his powerful forehand to win the second set.
At the third set, the world no. 15 came back stronger into the game, but Denis yet took him out and sealed the match win with a missile-like backhand which the Czech unforced.

Speaking after the match, Denis admitted to fighting through the round as he says, "it was a pretty tough first set, but I got a footing on the court and picked up my game. I feel like I live and die by my shots."
Denis will face in the second round Dutch player Haase Robin, also will become Canada's no. 1 on Monday when he will ranked above his compatriot Milos Raonic in ATP ranking.