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Canadian Shapovalov, who was knocked out in the first round in Marseille, drops to 4-1 on the season – Winnipeg Free Press

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Canadian Shapovalov, who was knocked out in the first round in Marseille, drops to 4-1 on the season – Winnipeg Free Press

MARSEILLE, France – Denis Shapovalov's struggles to start the 2024 tennis season continued on Tuesday with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 loss to French qualifier Hugo Gaston at the 13th Open of Provence.

The encounter was a rematch of the opening round of last week's tournament in Montpellier, France, where Shapovalov, of Richmond Hill, Ont., defeated Gaston for his only win of the year so far.

But despite hitting 17 aces, Shapovalov struggled in Tuesday's match. He faced break point 14 times, made 10 saves, and committed eight double faults.

Denis Shapovalov of Canada reacts during his first round match against Jakub Mencic of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Monday, January 15, 2024. Shapovalov's struggle to start the 2024 tennis season continued on Tuesday with a 7-5, 1-6 loss. And 6-3 against French qualifier Hugo Gaston in the 13th Open of Provence. Canadian Press / AP – Alessandra Tarantino

After dominating the second set, Shapovalov broke his fourth serve of the match to take a 3-2 lead in the third set. But Gaston won the next four matches to secure the win.

Gaston will face another Frenchman, Ugo Humbert, seeded fourth, in the second round.