Denis Shapovalov’s high-flying and improbable run at the United States Open continued Friday as he advanced to the fourth round of only his second Grand Slam main-draw event.
Shapovalov, an 18-year-old qualifier from Canada who upset eighth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three sets in the second round Wednesday, was beating Kyle Edmund, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 1-0, when Edmund had to retire because of an upper back problem.
His misfortune helped Shapovalov move forward, gaining more recognition with every match.
“I’m getting my confidence and momentum,” he said, “and I’m playing free and playing loose.”
Injuries and upsets have characterized the 2017 U.