By Canadian Press

Canada’s Shapovalov advances to quarterfinals at Japan Open

Oct 6, 2022 | 6:36 AM

TOKYO — Canada’s Denis Shapovalov advanced to the quarterfinals of the Japan Open with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japanese qualifier Rio Noguchi on Thursday.

Shapovalov, who is coming off a final appearance at the Korean Open on Sunday, had his serve working in a dominating display at Ariake Coliseum. The 23-year-old Richmond Hill, Ont., native, had five aces and won 81 per cent of his first serve points in a match that lasted just 57 minutes.

Shapovalov, the No. 7 seed, will face the ninth-seeded Borna Coric of Croatia in the quarterfinal

Coric delivered 10 aces in his 7-5. 6-2 victory over American Brandon Nakashima on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Miomir Kecmanovic saved six match points before beating Daniel Evans 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (4) Thursday to reach the quarterfinals at the Japan Open.

The Serbian was trailing 40-0 with Evans serving at 5-4 in the third set before producing series of winners to level the match.

“That was the first time that I was able to do that,” Kecmanovic said. “I was completely tuned out of the match, and I just went for it in that moment.”

Kecmanovic will next take on Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals. The American won his 13th consecutive tiebreaker to beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-1, 7-6 (7).

Nick Kyrgios had 22 aces in his 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Kamil Majchrzak. The Australian qualified for his ninth quarterfinal appearance this year.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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