Tennis News: Canadian Denis Shapovalov is off to a fast start to kick off the 2022 ATP-level 250 Korea Open in Seoul.

The fourth seed earned a successful 7-5, 6-4 win over Spaniard Jaume Munar in the second round of the Korea Open.

The world number 24 hit 31 winners, far more than Munar’s 11 in a game that lasted 1 hour 49 minutes, including breaking the Spaniard twice in each set to advance to his fifth quarter-final of the season 2022 and its first quarter-final since last May.

“Obviously very happy to get this victory,” exclaimed Shapovalov who won the first encounter against Munar. “Obviously I had a very tough opponent, he played some amazing games, so I’m very happy to get this win.”

The Canadian believes Seoul’s outdoor hard courts suit his style of play as he targets his first title since winning Stockholm in 2019.

“It must have been pretty quick,” Shapovalov added. “I felt that the court was slipping me a lot, the ball was skidding a lot on shots, and I felt that if I could maintain an aggressive game and serve well and try to dictate play, I think I could definitely cause damage.”

After starting the 2022 season by helping the Canadian team win the ATP Cup title and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, the 23-year-old has struggled to find consistency this season. But he is optimistic about his chances at the Korea Open, where he will meet Radu Albot in the quarter-finals after the Moldovan beat American Steve Johnson 7-6 7-6.

“I don’t have a specific plan to prepare. I’m just trying to focus on myself this week, focus on my game. I feel like this pitch suits my game and I played impressively in training. So I hope I can continue,” Shapovalov said.

In other action, Japan’s Taro Daniel secured his only remaining spot in the second round with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Emilio Gomez. The world number 92 will be aiming for a second quarter-final of the season against compatriot Yoshihito Nishioka.

Tags Articles: Tennis, Korea Open, Denis Shapovalov, Jaume Munar

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