His confidence sky-high after eliminating some of the tournament's big names earlier in the week, Canada's Denis Shapovalov played some of his best tennis when it mattered most on Sunday.
The result was a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway in the final of the Dallas Open.
It was the third career title for the left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ont., and first ATP 500-level crown.
"I just felt like I had to go for it against Casper," Shapovalov said in a telephone interview as he enjoyed a post-match meal. "Obviously he's a super-tough opponent. I was swinging away trying to really play tough. I tried to play to win today."
WATCH | Shapovalov downs Ruud to capture Dallas Open title:
Denis Shapovalov beats Norway's Ruud for 1st ATP 500 title
Shapovalov had a 13-5 edge in aces and won 72 per cent of his first-serve points. He saved the lone break point he faced and wrapped up the win in one hour and 40 minutes.
The Canadian took down the top three seeds over the week. He beat top seed and world No. 4 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in the second round and upset third-seeded American Tommy Paul, the world No. 9, in the semifinals.
The fifth-ranked Ruud presented another stiff challenge. Shapovalov used his booming ground strokes and deft short game to move the Norwegian around the court.
Shapovalov also stepped up with some aggressive play in the tiebreaker.
A sizzling backhand down the line gave him a 3-1 edge and mini-break. Ruud got back on serve at 5-6 before sending a forehand return into the net on set ball.
"I felt like I really tried to go for my serves, not hold back, but play smart obviously and work the points by really playing to win and really going for my shots," Shapovalov said. "I got a
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