Denis Shapovalov set to climb 32 places in ATP rankings with Dallas Open triumph

The Canadian displayed great confidence as he edged towards the winning line against world No 5 Ruud and he finished off the job with a confidence service game to seal a 7-6(5) 6-3 win to claim his first ATP 500 final.

"There's a lot to be happy about," said Shapovalov. "It's the biggest title of my career. I had a good chance against [Daniil] Medvedev a couple years ago [in Vienna, 2022], but he played a terrific match after losing the first. I'm really happy to stay strong this time and get the win.

"I do think the win against Taylor gave me a lot of confidence, especially the way I was able to play in the second and third set. It really gave me that belief that I'm able to beat these guys again.

"Obviously the position I'm in as well, there's not much to lose playing guys like [Tomas] Machac and Tommy and Casper, they are all ranked ahead of me.

"So I knew I had the game to beat them and also I didn't have the expectations - if I lost, it would've been okay. I was able to play freely and go for it."

This win was an emotional moment for Shapovalov, who has been forced to overcome serious a big knee injury issue concerns to rediscover his best form on his favoured hard courts.

"It's been very, very difficult," said Shapovalov as he reflected on his fitness battles, as he spoke to the Tennis Channel.

"There were a lot of times where I didn't know if I was going to step back onto the tennis court if I was even going to come back at all.

"There were a lot of tough days, even when I started to play. It was difficult. Sometimes I had good days, sometimes I couldn't even step with my leg because my knee was hurting.

"Everyone put in so much work and so much sacrifice to not even get me back to the level, but even just to get me back to the court. It's incredible to be playing the way that I am. I'm definitely very happy to feel like my game is coming back.

"A few people wrote me off and it is nice to show them that I can still do this.

"It seemed like things were just clicking today. Maybe I got a bit lucky, I was catching a few lines and I'm very, very happy.

"With a game style like mine, things look really go when it's going well and when it's not it looks like I'm tanking.

"I've not beaten so many top guys in succession in a week before, so it's pretty special."

Shapovalov's win was secured after a week that saw him beat three players currently sitting in the top 10 of the ATP Rankings.

His powerful performances saw him beat world No 4 Taylor Fritz, No 9 Tommy Paul and he completed his run with a win against No 5 Ruud.

Now he will get his reward for the success, with former world No 10 Shapovalov set to rise a massive 22 places in the updated ATP Rankings to No 32.

That is always a significant figure as it would ensure Shapovalov gets a seeding in a Grand Slam if he can stay in that position or move higher ahead of the French Open. 

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