Wed Oct 02 11:05:11 UTC 2024: ## Shapovalov Hits Career Milestone in Shanghai, Joins Elite Club

**SHANGHAI, CHINA** – Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov celebrated his 200th career win on Wednesday with a hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego in the first round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The victory secured Shapovalov a place in two exclusive lists.

He becomes only the fifth man born in 1999 or later to achieve this milestone, joining a group that includes the likes of Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Shapovalov also becomes just the third Canadian man in the Open Era to reach 200 tour-level wins, joining the legendary Milos Raonic and fellow rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The 24-year-old Shapovalov’s journey to 200 wins has been marked by both success and hardship. He was forced to sit out the second half of last year due to a knee injury, dropping out of the Top 100 rankings. He returned to the court this year and has been steadily regaining his form, making it to the third round at both the French Open and Wimbledon. He also reached the quarter-finals of the Washington D.C. ATP 500 event.

Despite currently sitting at No. 101 in the world rankings, Shapovalov has a chance to end the year strongly. With no ranking points to defend for the rest of the season, he can climb back into the Top 100 with a good performance.

His next opponent in Shanghai will be the 14th seed, Ben Shelton, who received a first-round bye.

Read More