Aleksandar Kovacevic and Denis Shapovalov are set to face off in a historic ATP Tour final, marking the first time in six years that two players wielding one-handed backhands will battle for a title. The last occurrence of such a matchup was in 2019, when Stefanos Tsitsipas triumphed over Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals.
The Art of the One-Handed Backhand
In an era dominated by two-handed backhands, this final offers a refreshing glimpse into a style often praised for its elegance and flair. Both Kovacevic and Shapovalov have carved out their own identities with this technique, showcasing its versatility and power despite the modern game’s emphasis on speed and spin.
Profiles in Precision
Kovacevic, ranked 76th, plays right-handed and has steadily climbed the ranks since turning pro in 2021. Shapovalov, a left-hander currently ranked 33rd, turned professional in 2017 and has long been recognized for his explosive shot-making and fluid movement. Their shared commitment to the one-handed backhand sets the stage for a visually captivating contest.
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Shapovalov in Los Cabos, ranking, and results in 2025
20 – 17win/loss
33
High
10
26 year old
LWWWLLLWLL
Currently the world no.33, Denis has achieved an overall 18-14 win-loss record in 2025. The Canadian is playing at the moment in Los Cabos where he managed to beat the world no.405 Govind Nanda 6-1 6-2, the world no.110 Tristan Schoolkate 6-3 6-2 and the world no.97 Adam Walton 6-2 6-2.
Denis Shapovalov will play the world no.76 Aleksandar Kovacevic in the final on Saturday at 8:00 pm on ESTADIO MEXTENIS. In the past, they have never competed against each other up to now in top competitions.
Denis clinched 1 title in 2025 in Dallas.
Kovacevic in Los Cabos, ranking, and results in 2025
28 – 19win/loss
76
High
72
26 year old
LLWWWWWLWW
Ranked no.76, Aleksandar has a compiled 28-19 match record in 2025. The American is currently competing in Los Cabos where he bested the world no.172 Hady Habib 6-1 3-6 6-3, the world no.784 Luis Carlos Alvarez 7-5 6-4, the world no.148 Juan Pablo Ficovich 6-3 6-1 and the world no.10 Andrey Rublev 3-6 6-4 6-4.
Aleksandar Kovacevic will play the world no.33 Denis Shapovalov in the final on Saturday at 8:00 pm on ESTADIO MEXTENIS. In the past, they have never played each other till now in top competitions.
Aleksandar has won 2 titles in 2025 in the Oeiras 2 Challenger and the Cap Cana Challenger. Kovacevic was the runner-up in Montpellier (Open Occitanie).
Denis Shapovalov and Aleksandar Kovacevic have never faced off.
