SHAPOVALOV v SINNER This should be a fascinating encounter. At 21, 11th seed Shapovalov is the older player here, for he faces 19-year-old Sinner, who reached last year’s French Open and looks a very tidy player. Who knows which way this one will go.

D. Shapovalov vs J. Sinner | Australian Open
Men's Singles | Round 1 | 08.02.2021 | Margaret Court Arena
Completed
D. Shapovalov (11)
3
6
6
4
6
J. Sinner
6
3
2
6
4
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Dan Quarrell
ByDan Quarrell

Updated 08/02/2021 at 13:50 GMT

MATCH
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SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 SINNER
A second match point for Shapovalov, and this time he makes no mistake! Huge winner on the line from the Canadian and he has tamed the Italian. What a match to close out the opening day of action at the Australian Open.
13:48
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *5-4 SINNER
A tense affair as Shapo goes 0-15 down before going 30-15 up. Crucial moments then at 30-30, and it’s an epic point which Shapovalov seals with a volley at the net.
FIRST MATCH POINT – he can’t convert! He comes towards the net after serving but his volley is wide…
Onto deuce. But it’s a DOUBLE FAULT from Sinner! A break back opportunity… but a passing shot goes JUST wide…
BACK TO DEUCE.
13:41
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *5-4 SINNER
Sinner holds, but you get the sense Shapo had his mind on the next game already where he is serving for the match.
Time to see if the Canadian can do just that…
13:38
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 5-3* SINNER
Shapo doing everything he needs to… A hold to 15 and now he’s just one game away from the second round.
All eyes on the Sinner serve, can he hold and make the Canadian work for it?
13:35
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *4-3 SINNER
No messing around from Sinner. He holds to love and Shapo just looked to be conserving his energy there. The Canadian knows he’s two holds away from victory.
13:32
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 4-2* SINNER
Motoring along nicely this set now. Heading towards the business end and it’s Shapo who is seemingly going to hold with ease before Sinner cranks up the pressure to fight back and make it 40-30. Shapo holds out though, and moves 4-2 in front.
13:28
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *3-2 SINNER
A very rapid hold from Sinner. Fair play to the crowd who are sticking with this one, but you can’t blame them for staying! Almost half midnight in Melbourne.
13:25
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 3-1* SINNER
True to his word, Shapovalov did end up going for a quick comfort break when he was actually allowed… Back on court to serve, Shapo keeps on roaring with each game won, and he keeps ahead in this decider.
13:19
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *2-1 SINNER
Two holds as Sinner gets on the board to follow up Shapovalov’s quick hold to 15. Shaping up nicely this one and it’s on Shapo to stay out in front having got the early break!
BREAK
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SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 *1-0 SINNER
The match many thought it would be when it was drawn last week.
Into the decider, it’s Sinner serving first, but he cannot hold and with a mighty “COME ON” the Canadian takes full advantage after four deuces.
12:59
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 0-0* SINNER
So Shapovalov wants a toilet break, but he’s not allowed to just ahead of set No 5…. The umpire tells him so, but now he has called for the physio anyway.
Getting some attention on his left arm and shoulder it would seem.
12:58
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'Wow! Fantastic!' - Sinner somehow survives onslaught to win amazing point

SET
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SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 0-0* SINNER
A fourth set which swung that way and that, but it’s Sinner who steals it! The Italian sailed to a 0-40 lead on Shapo’s serve, and though the Canadian saves the first two he cannot prevent Sinner from converting the third!
Roll on the decider!
12:51
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 *4-5 SINNER
Some stunning shots from Shapovalov, including a sensational return, but it’s Sinner who manages to hold and keep his nose in front at a vital time.
Up next, Shapovalov serving to stay in the set and prevent a decider.
12:47
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-4* SINNER
Didn’t see this coming about 20 minutes ago. A break point for Sinner gives him the chance to go 5-3 up, but Shapo lets out a roar after a fine volley at the net takes it to deuce.
Sinner VERY far back when returning and this one doesn’t make it over the net. A point later, Shapo holds with a fine serve and volley. 4-4. Finely poised.
12:41
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 *3-4 SINNER
A third ace for Sinner, one Shapo doesn’t entirely agree with, helps the Italian hold and all of a sudden he’s 4-3 in front.
BREAK BACK
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SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-3* SINNER
Well, well… A double fault from Shapo hands Sinner three break back points!
Ace No 11 saves the first. A wide Sinner return sees the second saved. But Sinner converts the third! A great point where he slowly broke down the Canadian.
Back to 3-3, back on serve!
12:33
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 *3-2 SINNER
Sinner won’t go quietly, halting Shapo at three games in a row. Still, though, it’s the 11th seed who’s a break ahead and heading towards the second round. Sinner must break back or else.
12:30
SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-1* SINNER
Shapo keeps his nose in front, holding to 30 and getting a towel on court to mop up some sweat it would seem! And then a towel swap to boot. Covid era, and all.
BREAK
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SHAPOVALOV 3-6 6-3 6-2 *2-1 SINNER
Sinner just trying to gee himself up to stay in this match.
At 15-30 down on serve in the third game of the set, he wins a vital point, but is then taken to deuce and some sloppy play gifts Shapo the break!