Denis Shapovalov surges past Tommy Paul to set up Casper Ruud title clash in Dallas

Denis Shapovalov delivered one of his most convincing performances of the season in Dallas, surging past American Tommy Paul to secure his place in the tournament final against Casper Ruud. The Canadian left-hander, known for his aggressive baseline game and explosive shot-making, overwhelmed Paul with power and precision, wrapping up the semifinal in straight sets. The victory marks a turning point in Shapovalov’s 2025 campaign, which had been hampered earlier by inconsistent form and a nagging knee issue.

Shapovalov came out firing from the opening game, showcasing his signature one-handed backhand and relentless court coverage. He dictated the tempo, often pulling Paul out wide and finishing points at the net. Paul, who had shown grit throughout the tournament, struggled to match Shapovalov’s pace and intensity. Despite flashes of brilliance from the American, he was never able to find sustained rhythm against the Canadian’s varied shot selection and pinpoint serving.

The win over Paul is a significant morale boost for Shapovalov, who has been working hard to reestablish himself among the ATP Tour’s elite. Once considered one of the most promising young stars, his career momentum had slowed due to injury and inconsistency. But in Dallas, he looked like the player many once believed could be a Grand Slam contender.

Awaiting him in the final is Casper Ruud, a consistent force on the tour and a multiple-time finalist at major events. Ruud’s style—based on patience, deep topspin, and tactical precision—will offer a very different challenge from Paul. The matchup sets up an intriguing contrast of styles: Shapovalov’s explosive, attacking approach against Ruud’s composed, grinding baseline play.

This final also has ranking implications for both players. A title in Dallas would give Shapovalov his first ATP crown since 2019 and could propel him closer to the top 20, while Ruud is aiming to consolidate his place in the top 10 and add a hard-court title to his resume. For Shapovalov, this match is more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a chance to reignite a career that many believe still holds untapped potential.

With confidence surging and his game clicking at the right time, Denis Shapovalov enters the final with momentum and belief. Fans can expect a high-quality clash between two talented players hungry for victory in Dallas.