FRISCO, TX – February 12, 2026 – Canada’s Denis Shapovalov showcased his formidable serving prowess at the Dallas Open today, powering past American Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-4. The victory propels the seventh-seeded Shapovalov into the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Shapovalov, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, was a force to be reckoned with on serve, racking up an impressive 22 aces throughout the match. His dominance was further highlighted by a minimal error rate, committing only a single double fault. In contrast, Kovacevic managed just four aces and struggled with a pair of double faults.
The match was largely defined by Shapovalov’s unwavering serve and a single break of serve, which proved to be the decisive moment. This victory underscores Shapovalov’s continued climb in the world of professional tennis and solidifies his position as a player to watch.
Looking ahead, Shapovalov will face a challenging quarterfinal matchup against third-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain on Friday. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of the sport’s rising stars. For more information on the Dallas Open and the ATP Tour, visit the official ATP Tour website.
This performance builds on Shapovalov’s growing reputation for aggressive play and powerful serving. He continues to represent Canada with distinction on the international stage. Keep up with the latest tennis news and scores at ESPN Tennis.
This report originally appeared on The Canadian Press on February 12, 2026.
