Wimbledon: Shapovalov advances to last 16, overcomes tired Broady

Denis Shapovalov edged out Liam Broady 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 on Friday evening. He’ll play Russian Roman Safiullin in the next round

Denis Shapovalov – (c) AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Cédric Rouquette

July 7, 2023

Wimbledon •Third round • completed

See draw

D. ShapovalovvsL. Broady

Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the No 26 seed, moved into the last 16 of Wimbledon by edging out wildcard Liam Broady 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on Friday evening. The Brit evidently paid the toll of his five-set victory over Casper Ruud on Thursday, the greatest win of his career.

“Really difficult going on court less than 24 hours after you finish a five-set match on Centre in that way,” Broady said. “Such an emotional and stressful match. Then straight back out there against a top, top grass court player. Denis was just the better player, better man out there today.”

Need to be at the tip-top of my game to beat someone like Denis
Liam Broady

“At this level, I probably need to be at the tip-top of my game to beat someone like Denis. Probably an hour into the match, your legs feel pretty heavy. So I was pretty glad that I won the first set because otherwise it might have been a straight-sets victory for him.

“But I understand how it works. This is Wimbledon. The players work around the schedule. I can’t really blame Mother Nature for raining on a day that took away my day off. I maybe could have on a better day beaten Casper in three or four sets, as well.”

Shapovalov – Safiullin next

“I think I can take the positives from this week,” Broady insisted.

Broady, ranked No 142, defeated Frenchman Constant Lestienne (6-1, 6-3, 7-5) and Norwegian Casper Ruud, the No 4 seed (6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0).

“Obviously to make third round, being ranked 140 in the world, be in constant first round, that’s an upset in itself. Doing it in straight sets was amazing as well. Then obviously to beat Casper on Centre yesterday, it feels like it was a week ago already.”

Shapovalov, ranked No 29, will play Russian Roman Safiullin next.

The Canadian, semi-finalist in 2021, won against qualifier Radu Albot (5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2) and Frenchman Gregoire Barrere (6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7)) earlier in the tournament.

Wimbledon (Grand Slam), other third-round results (All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, grass, GBP 16.077.000, most recent results first):