Canada's Gabriel Diallo wins, Denis Shapovalov loses at Hong Kong Open

December 31, 2024 - 9:09am

Gabriel Diallo, of Canada, reacts after scoring a point against Arthur Fils, of France, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 29, in New York. 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Pamela Smith

Gabriel Diallo showcased some resiliency as his promising start to the 2025 season continued on Tuesday.

The Canadian rallied for a 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 win over Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round of the Hong Kong Open.

Diallo, the world No. 82, earned a spot in the ATP Tour 250 event by winning a pair of qualifying matches.

The Montrealer will next face No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the round of 16.

Diallo, 23, made strides in 2024. A runner-up showing at the Almaty Open in October followed a run to the third round at the U.S. Open.

Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., lost 6-2, 6-3 to Kei Nishikori of Japan in the opening round in Hong Kong.

Shapovalov tweeted afterward he has been battling a virus and couldn't play to his potential in his season opener.

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