Frances Tiafoe stuns Denis Shapovalov in Toronto

TORONTO: Lucky loser Frances Tiafoe of the US continued to ride his good fortune as he upset local star Denis Shapovalov in straight sets in National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada.

The 23-year-old American, who lost in the qualifying stage but got a chance again due to a withdrawal, defeated Shapovalov 6-1, 6-4 in his second-round match on Wednesday evening.

Tiafoe, ranked 52 in the world, held the upper hand as she served well and did not face a breakpoint in this match. Denis Shapovalov struggled in the windy conditions and allowed Tiafoe to take control as he struggled with his service.

He put up a better fight in the second set but Tiafoe could not be denied on this occasion despite coming into the match with a 1-4 record in head-to-head.

France's Gael Monfils beat Australia's John Millman 3-6, 6-3, 6-4; Russia's Andrey Rublev overcame Italy's Fabio Fognini 7-6(4), 6-3; Hubert Hurkacx of Poland advanced after Kei Nishikori of Japan withdrew from their encounter; Argentina's Diego Schwartzman beat Benoit Paire of France 7-5, 6-1; John Isner of the United States got the better of Cristian Carin of Chile 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 while Karen Khachanov of Russia beat compatriot Aslan Karatsev 7-6(7), 6-4.

In the women's event in Montreal, Canadian wild card Rebecca Marino continued her run by beating Paula Badosa 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.

The 30-year-old Marino upset No. 16 seed Madison Keys in the first round. Marino had a career-high ranking of No. 39 in 2011, but stepped away from the sport for nearly five years to battle depression. She's currently ranked 220th.

"Any time you can beat a girl who's in the top 100, top 50, it's something to feel good about, particularly as I'm building my ranking back up," Marino said of beating Badosa, who is ranked 31st. Marino will face Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the round of 16 on Thursday.

Sabalenka, the tournament's No. 1 seed, edged American wild card Sloane Stephens 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4 on Wednesday.

Canadian Bianca Andreescu will also be back in action Thursday, facing either No. 13 seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia or Russia's Daria Kasatkina in the round of 16. IANS

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