Shapovalov Survives Norrie Fightback To Reach Los Cabos Final

Defending champion Denis Shapovalov held his nerve under pressure to defeat Cameron Norrie and book his place in the final of the Los Cabos Open after a hard-fought semi-final victory on Saturday.

The Canadian left-hander overcame a spirited challenge from the Briton, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a gruelling two-hour, 39-minute contest to move one step closer to retaining his title.

Shapovalov made the perfect start, breaking Norrie early in the opening set before taking control of the match with his aggressive baseline play. The defending champion repeated the feat in the deciding set, securing an early break that ultimately proved decisive.

Norrie, however, refused to surrender. The former world No.8, who ended a six-match losing streak to reach the last four, responded strongly in the second set and levelled the contest with a superb line-hugging forehand volley to force a decider.

But Shapovalov remained composed when it mattered most. The Canadian produced a disciplined display in the final set, holding all his service games and not allowing Norrie a single break-point opportunity as he closed out the victory.

The 26-year-old will now face France’s Arthur Gea in the final after the youngster defeated Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Shapovalov will be aiming to continue his impressive run in Los Cabos and become the latest player to successfully defend the tournament crown.