Shapovalov foils Zverev´s Australian Open dream

German World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has lost his chance at this year's Australian Open title after suffering an upset fourth-round 3-6, 6-7 (5), 3-6 defeat at the hands of world No. 14 Denis Shapovalov on Sunday, reported Xinhua.

The 22-year-old Canadian broke Zverev halfway through the first set, which he carried to a win as he held service throughout.

Seizing this momentum, Shapovalov broke a frustrated Zverev in game one of the second set -- the German destroying his racquet in a display of high emotions.

Regaining his composure, Zverev managed to break back, but as the set reached a tiebreaker, Shapovalov held off the German's lighting serves with a 7-5 win.

Shapovalov secured a three-love lead in the third set, and refusing to concede a single service game closing out what was one of the biggest wins of his 5-year-long career.

"Definitely happy with where the game is at," said Shapovalov in his elated post-match interview.

Shapovalov's victory secured his first spot in an Australian Open quarterfinal. He will go head-to-head with 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who is bidding to become the only man in history to reach 21 titles.

"It's always going to be a battle against him. It's going to be a tough one but I'm going to enjoy it," said the Canadian of the looming matchup.

Nadal secured his spot after beating out Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in straight sets 7-6 (14), 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and 40 minutes - including a nearly 30-minute-long tiebreaker at the end of the first set.

Women's singles No. 4 seed Barbora Krejcikova also secured her quarterfinal appearance after beating two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.