Olaniyi AyoolaIn a stunning second-round upset at the 2025 French Open, Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic defeated 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in a five-set thriller: 7-6(5), 7-6(6), 4-6, 4-6, 6-3. The match, played on May 29, showcased Misolic’s resilience and tactical prowess against the higher-ranked Canadian.
Misolic, ranked No. 153, entered the main draw through the qualifiers and had already demonstrated strong form by winning a Challenger title on clay prior to the tournament. His confidence was evident as he edged out Shapovalov in two closely contested tiebreaks to take a two-set lead.
Shapovalov, known for his aggressive baseline play, mounted a comeback by claiming the third and fourth sets, both with 6-4 scores. However, Misolic regained momentum in the decider, breaking early and maintaining his lead to seal the match.
Statistically, Misolic’s performance under pressure was notable; he saved 53% of breakpoints against him and converted 36% of his own opportunities. In contrast, Shapovalov saved 51% and converted 31%, indicating Misolic’s slight edge in critical moments.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Misolic’s career, propelling him into the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, where he is set to face Novak Djokovic.
For Shapovalov, the loss is a setback, especially considering his recent triumph at the 2025 Dallas Open, where he secured his first ATP 500 title by defeating top players including Casper Ruud. His early exit from Roland Garros highlights the unpredictability of clay courts and the challenges they pose, even for seasoned players.
The match between Misolic and Shapovalov exemplifies the depth of talent in men’s tennis and the potential for lower-ranked players to make significant impacts in major tournaments. As Misolic prepares to face Djokovic, the tennis world will be watching to see if he can continue his remarkable run.
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Olaniyi Ayoola