Olaniyi AyoolaIn a stunning upset at the Italian Open, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubus defeated Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, marking a breakthrough moment for the 22-year-old Baltic upstart. Gaubus, ranked outside the top 100, delivered a composed and aggressive performance to dispatch the former Wimbledon semifinalist in straight sets, signaling his arrival on the big stage of men’s tennis.
Shapovalov, known for his flashy one-handed backhand and unpredictable shot-making, came into the match as the clear favorite. However, he struggled to find rhythm against Gaubus’ consistent baseline play and sharp court coverage. Gaubus broke early in both sets, applying relentless pressure on Shapovalov’s serve and keeping unforced errors to a minimum. His calm demeanor and strategic shot selection were key factors in maintaining control throughout the match.
This victory is not only the biggest of Gaubus’ career so far, but it also places him firmly on the radar as a rising force in men’s tennis. With this win, he advances to the third round in Rome, a career-best showing at the ATP Masters 1000 level. For Lithuania, a country with a modest tennis history, Gaubus’ win is a landmark achievement and could inspire a new generation of athletes.
For Shapovalov, the loss is another disappointment in what has been a challenging season marred by inconsistency and lingering injuries. Once considered one of the sport’s brightest young stars, the Canadian will need to regroup ahead of Roland Garros.
As the Italian Open continues, all eyes will now be on Vilius Gaubus to see if this breakout performance was just the beginning of a deeper run. One thing is clear: the Lithuanian has announced his presence with authority on the international stage.
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
