Top 5 Photos 9/18: Shapovalov keeps on winning in Rome

By Jordaan SanfordPublished September 18, 2020

The red clay action is getting better by the day in Rome as players secured their quarterfinal spots. One 18-year-old saw his amazing run on the dirt come to an end, while many familiar names secured their spots in the final rounds.

These are the Top 5 photos from Friday at the Italian Open.

Denis Shapovalov

The 21-year-old brought the same ball striking and accuracy he displayed earlier this month in New York to Rome. Shapovalov is through to the last eight after inching past Ugo Humbert, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-4. The young Canadian will next look to avenge his loss to Grigor Dimitrov earlier this year in Rotterdam.

Simona Halep

The two-time major champion ran down every ball and showcased signature consistency to inch past Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-4. Halep is feeling confident having managed to claim a straight set victory over the Ukrainian's powerful game.

"Big picture, I think it was a great match and gives me confidence that even in these conditions with a big hitter that I could win in two sets," Halep told press.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 18: Simona Halep of Romania serves in her round three match against Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine during day five of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on September 18, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Novak Djokovic

Although Djokovic's score against countryman Filip Krajinovic seems somewhat routine, it was anything but that. In the over two-hour battle, the world No. 1 trailed 4-1 in the first set tiebreaker and needed five set points to capture the set. Djokovic would go on to win 7-6 (7), 6-3, to boost his head-to-head record to 2-0 against Krajinovic.

Garbine Muguruza

Rome's No. 9 seed had another solid day at the office, this time defeating Johanna Konta, 6-4, 6-1, to set up a quarterfinal clash with Victoria Azarenka. Last year in Rome's round of 16, Muguruza was trailing against Azarenka 4-6, 1-3, before she retired. The 26-year-old will look to come out on top in the rematch.

Lorenzo Musetti

Musetti's dream run came to an end at the hands of Germany's Dominik Koepfer. The teenage Italian qualifier captured five consecutive matches in Rome, handing out straight set losses to Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori along the way. Koepfer, a qualifier himself, will face Djokovic next.