By Canadian Press

Canada’s Shapovalov loses in straight sets to Japan’s Nishioka in Korea Open final

Oct 2, 2022 | 4:26 PM

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Canada’s Denis Shapovalov fell just short of capping off a strong week with a title as he lost 6-4, 7-6 (5) to Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the Korea Open final on Sunday.

The Richmond Hill, Ont., native was the fourth seed in the tournament and strung together three consecutive straight-set victories before the loss.

“Really great week, I think. Obviously always want to win the finals, but big credits to Yoshi today,” the 23-year-old Canadian said. “He came out with the big shots in the right moments, and yeah, I just wasn’t able to get the W today, but overall generally happy with the week.”

Shapovalov fired five aces and won 80 per cent of first-serve points. But, he broke on just one of five opportunities, compared to two of eight from Nishioka.

Feeling as though his game is clicking, Shapovalov has his sights set on putting himself in bigger matches more often.

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“I think I just got to put myself in these moments a little bit more,” he said. “I try to be a bit more consistent throughout the year and give myself chances to play big matches like this and hopefully the more and more chances I get, I can win some of them and try to improve from match to match.”

The world No. 24 is set to play Steve Johnson in the first round of the Japan Open on Monday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2022.

The Canadian Press