Player(s) of the Day: Denis Shapovalov & Hubert Hurkacz

Denis Shapovalov skipped Roland Garros due to a nagging shoulder injury in hopes of being fully healthy for the grass court season. His decision paid off, as the 22-year-old advanced to his first career major semifinal with a 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Karen Khachanov.

The notoriously streaky Canadian was nowhere near perfect in the quarterfinal bout, but came through in the big moments with aggressive play and huge serving, racking up 18 aces against the 6’6” Russian.

For his efforts, Shapovalov will get to face off against world No. 1 and prohibitive title favorite Novak Djokovic.

But Shapovalov wasn’t the only young gun to punch his first major semifinal ticket as fellow Yonex-wielding Hubert Hurkacz will join him in the final four. The big-serving Pole crushed the hopes and dreams of the Wimbledon crowd and fans around the world when he dominated eight-time champion Roger Federer 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0. With his win, the 24-year-old became the first player in 19 years to defeat Federer in straight-sets at Wimbledon.

Hurkacz, widely considered one of the nicest guys on tour, was all class in his victory.

“It’s super special for me to play in this special court against Roger,” Hurkacz said after the match. It’s a dream come true."