Shapovalov Frustrated by Foot Fault in US Open Third-Round Exit

August 30, 2025 | New York

Canadian No. 27 seed Denis Shapovalov bowed out of the 2025 US Open in the third round on Saturday, falling to defending champion Jannik Sinner 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. What might have been a statement win for Shapovalov instead turned sour amid a controversial foot-fault call that left the 26-year-old visibly furious.

Serving for the opening set at 5-4, Shapovalov was flagged for stepping on the baseline-a call he vehemently disputed. “I’ve never done a foot fault in my life,” he insisted to the chair umpire, demanding to see a replay. The umpire stood by the decision, prompting Shapovalov to retort, “Of course it was,” before dropping the set in a tense tiebreak.

Shapovalov’s aggressive left-handed groundstrokes troubled the world No. 1 early, enabling him to seize the first set. However, nine double faults while seeking to keep pace with Sinner’s clinical play allowed the Italian to wrest control, winning 12 of the final 15 games to seal victory.

Despite the loss, Shapovalov’s display of flair and tenacity under the New York lights earned praise, even as his US Open bid ended sooner than hoped. He will now turn his focus to the upcoming Asian swing of the ATP Tour.