Tennis

Denis Shapovalov, the former world No. 10, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 200th tour-level victory at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The Canadian defeated Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought first-round match, winning 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8).This victory marks a special moment for Shapovalov, as he becomes only the fifth player born in 1999 or later to reach 200 wins. He joins an elite group that includes Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Carlos Alcaraz.Shapovalov's triumph also makes him just the third Canadian man to achieve 200 wins in the Open Era, following Milos Raonic and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Vasek Pospisil is the only other Canadian man to reach 100 wins, with 136 to his name.After a challenging period last year, where he missed the second half of the season due to a knee injury, Shapovalov has been steadily regaining his form. He has made impressive runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the third round at both events. He also reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event in Washington D.C.Shapovalov's recent success has seen him break back into the Top 100, currently ranked at No. 101. With no ranking points to defend for the rest of the season, he has a great opportunity to finish the year well within the Top 100.In the second round of the Shanghai Masters, Shapovalov will face the No. 14 seed, Ben Shelton, who received a first-round bye.