Nadal shock exit from Rogers Cup
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Title now Federer’s to lose
One of the pre-tournament favourites in Montreal has been knocked out – Rafael Nadal beaten in a real upset by little-known Canadian Denis Shapovalov at the Rogers Cup on Friday.
That loss leaves Roger Federer as a convincing favourite to pick up the prize. Are there more shocks to come? Click here to back your outright winner, or bet on any of today’s tennis matches from around the globe.
Murray holds on to number one spot
Few, if any, would’ve predicted defeat for Spanish star Rafael Nadal when paired with wildcard Denis Shapovalov, but the 18-year-old stunned the sport, and it was no fluke, or off day for Rafa either. Finding himself a set down early in the match, the Canadian upstart battled his way back on level terms, before going on to win the match 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. Shapovalov booked his slot in the quarter-finals, becoming the youngest player to do so at a Masters 1000 event.
As well as being a feather in the cap of the victor, it was also good news for British tennis fans, the upset meaning Andy Murray remains world number one, for now. The Scot, plagued by injury this year, will lose the top step next week at the Cincinnati Masters, Nadal or Federer ready to replace him, depending on who fares better.
Federer battles past Ferrer
Speaking of Fed-Ex, and after going in to the Rogers Cup as favourite to lift the prize, he’s now nailed on 2/5 with Coral, following Nadal’s exit. He booked his place in the best eight with an impressive win over David Ferrer, but had to show that old fighting spirit and concentration to do it. Losing the first set 4-6, Federer rallied to win 6-4, 6-2, setting up a match with Roberto Bautista Agut.
If our traders are correct, no one will get near this year’s Wimbledon champion in Montreal. The 36-year-old is a two-time winner of this gong, but hasn’t claimed the prize since 2006. He last appeared in the final three years ago, beaten by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He’ll never have a better chance at the hat-trick.
