Shapo pushed to five sets by Kwon

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov hit 29 aces on his way to the third round of the Australian Open with a 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-2 win over South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo.

Shapovalov was made to fight for victory, eventually edging ahed in the deciding fifth set.

“I’ll probably sleep in the ice bath tonight,” he joked afterwards.

”It was a great match. I’m really happy to get the win today. I just fought through it.”

Denis Shapovalov had to battle for his second round win. Photo: Morgan Hancock/TENNIS AUSTRALIA

Kwon’s aggressive play won him the second and third sets as Shapovalov let two leads slip in the third.

In the fourth Shapovalov was a break point down early before he dragged himself back into the match.

He then won the last 10 games to seal victory over a tough opponent.

Next up will be 23rd seed Reilly Opelka.

“I’ll just try to make as many returns as possible and try to hold my serve,” Shapovalov said. “He’s a great guy and it’ll be a great match.”

Peter Rowe

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