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'Saddened': Tennis fans gutted over star's shock announcement

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Rafael Nadal (pictured left) greets Denis Shapovalov (pictured right) at net after his victory.
Denis Shapovalov (pictured right) has withdrawn from the French Open due to a shoulder injury. (Getty Image)

One of the favourites heading into the French Open has pulled out of the Grand Slam only days before after citing an unexpected shoulder injury.

Denis Shapovalov, who has been in excellent from in 2021, suffered a defeat to Casper Ruud at the Geneva Open final before announcing the surprise withdrawal.

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"I am saddened to share that after consulting with my medical team I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from Roland Garros," the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram.

"Unfortunately, my shoulder has been bothering me over the last few weeks and, while all medical tests look good, it is for the best to play it safe and rest."

While Shapovalov hasn't gone past the second round at the French Open, the 22-year-old has been in good form and had multiple match points against Rafael Nadal in Rome before falling short.

Fans were devastated at the news of the rising star.

Rudd wins Geneva Open

The world No.21 prevailed 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in the first top-level meeting between the two talented 22-year-olds to add to the Argentina Open crown he won - also on clay - in February 2020.

Ruud did not face a single break point in the match, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, and needed only one break conversion himself to see off second seed Shapovalov.

"It's tough to find all the words," said Ruud, who has a hugely impressive 15-4 record on clay this year.

"It was such an amazing week here in Geneva. I was always looking forward to coming to this tournament.

"I watched it on TV for many years when I was younger and it always seemed like a nice place, so I guess I know why I wanted to come here.

"It's been going well and this week has been unbelievable for me."

with agencies

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