One other good combat from Denis Shapovalov in Indian Wells was not sufficient to attain a victory over Lorenzo Musetti on Saturday, because the Canadian was edged out in a good three-setter.
Shapovalov gave the No. 26 seed all he might deal with for 2 hours and 20 minutes, however regardless of holding a late lead, it was the Italian who completed strongest, clawing out a 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 win.
Saturday was finally a disappointment for the Canadians, with all three who had been scheduled in singles motion exiting the match.
It was boom-or-bust all by way of the match for Shapovalov. He had 9 aces however 12 double faults, 32 winners to 21 unforced errors and gained 76 per cent of his first serve factors to only 40 on his second. Musetti had 15 winners however simply 9 unforced errors.
Learn additionally: ATP Energy Rankings Forward of Indian Wells
The primary few video games of the match had been a curler coaster, with the pair exchanging breaks within the opening video games earlier than Musetti saved three break factors to remain on serve within the fourth sport.
A few dangerous serves ended up costing the Canadian the opening set, as he struck back-to-back double faults at 3-3, deuce, handy a break to Musetti. It was the one sport with break factors within the final six of the opening set.
Learn additionally: Raonic Makes Successful Return to Indian Wells
From 2-2 within the second set, Shapovalov went on a roll. He discovered his vary from the baseline and Musetti had no reply, cracking underneath the stress with a slew of errors on large factors.
The Canadian broke twice, together with as Musetti served to remain within the set at 2-5, to ship the match to a decider.
Shapovalov averted a scare within the opening sport of the third set, holding from love-40 down with some spectacular shot-making, after which appeared in place to finish the comeback win when he broke for a 4-2 lead.
However Musetti was not completed. Within the very subsequent sport, Shapovalov performed an error-filled sport, ending with a missed smash handy the break proper again.
Learn additionally: WTA Sunshine Double Energy Rankings
Errors would come again to hang-out Shapovalov once more in a essential second at 5-5. He double-faulted to provide the Italian a break level and whereas he saved it, errors continued to forestall him from closing out the sport. Finally, he netted a volley to provide Musetti a second likelihood the place the Canadian missed a half-volley off a powerful return from his opponent to give up the late, decisive break.
Musetti served out the match to like.
Even in defeat, Shapovalov confirmed extra indicators of enchancment this week as he works his approach again from damage. Now Félix Auger-Aliassime is the lone Canadian left in singles on the BNP Paribas Open. He takes on Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
