Denis Shapovalov’s Dallas Open win summed up in one shot – and what his tennis needs now

Denis Shapovalov’s triumph at the 2025 Dallas Open was a defining moment in his career, encapsulated by a single, audacious shot: a serve-and-volley on second serve to seal the semifinal against defending champion Tommy Paul. This bold play symbolized Shapovalov’s resurgence—a blend of confidence, aggression, and tactical intelligence that had been missing in recent years.

The Canadian’s path to the title was nothing short of remarkable. He defeated three top-10 players in succession: World No. 4 Taylor Fritz, No. 9 Tommy Paul, and No. 5 Casper Ruud in the final. Notably, his victory over Fritz marked his first top-10 win in over two years, highlighting a significant turnaround in form. Shapovalov’s serving was a cornerstone of his success, delivering 13 aces in the final and maintaining a high first-serve percentage throughout the tournament. He also demonstrated improved consistency on his second serve, winning over 60% of those points in multiple matches.

This victory propelled Shapovalov up 22 spots in the ATP rankings, moving him to No. 32—the highest since September 2023. It’s a significant comeback for a player who had dropped to as low as No. 140 due to a knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2023. His performance in Dallas suggests a return to the form that once saw him reach the Wimbledon semifinals in 2021.

Looking ahead, Shapovalov’s challenge will be to maintain this level of play consistently. Historically, his game has been characterized by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency. To solidify his place among the elite, he will need to harness the discipline and strategic play he exhibited in Dallas. This includes maintaining his serving efficiency, minimizing unforced errors, and continuing to play with the assertiveness that led him to take calculated risks at crucial moments.

In essence, the serve-and-volley that clinched his semifinal win wasn’t just a point—it was a statement. It signified a player ready to take control of his narrative, to play on his terms, and to reestablish himself as a formidable force on the ATP Tour. If Shapovalov can build on this momentum, the Dallas Open may well be remembered as the turning point that reignited his ascent in professional tennis.