Canada’s Denis Shapovalov bounced in first round of Italian Open

ROME — Canada’s Denis Shapovalov was ousted in the first round of the Italian Open on Wednesday, falling 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4) to Luciano Darderi of Italy.

The 25-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., struggled with his service game, committing 14 double faults and landing just 55 per cent of his first serves. Darderi capitalized on six break points compared to Shapovalov’s four.

Darderi next meets Mariano Navone of Argentina on Friday.

Shapovalov, ranked 126th in the world, holds a 6-11 record this season.