DALLAS — Seventh-seeded Canadian Denis Shapovalov breezed to an opening-round victory at the Dallas Open on Tuesday night, bouncing Rafael Jodar of Spain 6-1, 6-2.
The Richmond Hill, Ont., tennis star had seven aces in the 69-minute match. He finished with 22 unforced errors, three double faults, 22 winners, won nine of 10 net points and 33 points off of return.
Jodar had one ace, 19 unforced errors, three winners, one double fault and 13 points off of return.
Shapovalov dominated on his serve, and won five of seven games while returning.
The Canadian advances to the round of 16 where he’ll face American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Earlier in the day, Canada’s Gabriel Diallo fell 6-4, 6-4 to second-seeded American Ben Shelton.
The Montreal native had six aces to three double faults and won 81 per cent of first-serve points.
However, he failed to break on any of his three chances in the opening-round match.
Shelton had 13 aces to three double faults and won 82 per cent of first-serve points.
He also converted on two of his three break-point opportunities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 10, 2026.
The Canadian Press
