Denis Shapovalov Loses in Controversial US Open Third Round Clash

New York, August 30, 2025 - Canada’s Denis Shapovalov was edged out by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a four-set thriller at the US Open today, but it was a disputed foot-fault call that overshadowed much of the match.

Shapovalov stunned the defending champion by capturing the first set 7-5, only to see momentum swing after a highly contentious foot-fault warning while serving for the opener. The Canadian confronted chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani, demanding to see a replay of the call and insisting, “I’ve never done a foot fault in my life,” before play resumed amid boos from the crowd.

Despite the early controversy, Sinner regrouped to claim the next three sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in 3 hours 12 minutes, extending his unbeaten Grand Slam hard-court streak to 24 matches. Shapovalov dropped serve three times and was broken on six occasions as Sinner’s composure and consistency prevailed.

After the match, Shapovalov declined to elaborate on the dispute but acknowledged the challenge of moving past the incident. “Tennis is about fine margins,” he said. “I’ll learn from today and come back stronger.”

Sinner will face the winner of Alexander Bublik vs. Tommy Paul in the fourth round, while Shapovalov’s run at Flushing Meadows ends in what was one of the tournament’s most talked-about contests of the day.