David Goffin Shocks Tennis World with Stunning Upset – Full Match Highlights & What’s Next

Belgium’s David Goffin produced another vintage performance at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Friday, dismissing world No. 8 Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to book a third-round meeting with Canadian youngster Gabriel Diallo. The 34-year-old former world No. 7 was razor-sharp from the baseline, finishing the 79-minute contest with 19 winners against just 11 unforced errors and saving all three break points he faced. “I felt the ball early, returned well and served even better,” Goffin said afterward, calling the victory “one of the most complete matches I’ve played this season.” Momentum built in round one Goffin’s Shanghai surge began two days earlier when he recovered from a tight first-set tiebreak to beat France’s Alexandre Müller 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2, his first main-draw win at a Masters 1000 since Miami in March. That Miami run featured a headline-grabbing upset of Carlos Alcaraz and signaled the Belgian’s renewed threat to the tour’s elite. Top-10 giant-killer Friday’s result gave Goffin his second Top-10 scalp of 2025; the first came against Alcaraz in Miami. Both wins highlight the veteran’s ability to trouble power hitters on faster hard courts, thanks to early ball-striking, precise returns and trademark court coverage. Race-to-Turin implications While Shelton’s loss dents the American’s push for a maiden Nitto ATP Finals berth, it opens the door for challengers Alex de Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti to overtake him in the Live Race. Goffin, currently outside the Top 30, can re-enter the qualification conversation himself with a deep Shanghai run. Next up: Gabriel Diallo test Standing 6’7” (2.01 m) and armed with a booming serve, Diallo has surged from No. 230 to inside the Top 70 this year and upset Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 6-4 to reach round three. The pair have never met on the ATP Tour, setting up an intriguing contrast between Diallo’s raw power and Goffin’s counter-punching finesse. Road back from injuries After an injury-plagued 2024 season—including knee issues and a lingering wrist complaint—Goffin spent the winter rebuilding strength with longtime fitness coach Germain Gigounon. The payoff surfaced in Toronto (round of 16), Miami (quarter-final), and now Shanghai, where he is chasing a third career quarter-final after 2016 and 2019. What it means for Belgian tennis Goffin’s resurgence comes as fellow Belgian Zizou Bergs climbs steadily on the Challenger circuit, offering hope that Belgium could soon regain multiple representatives in the Top 50. The European Open in Antwerp later this month has already announced a “Belgian Day” promotion featuring both men in exhibition clinics, a marketing boost fueled by Goffin’s current form. Key stats • Record vs. Top 10 in 2025: 2-2 • Hard-court win-loss this season: 18-11 • Career Masters 1000 quarter-finals: 8 (last: Miami 2025) If Goffin extends his Shanghai run, he will crack the Top 40 for the first time since May 2024 and reinforce a narrative tennis fans know well: underestimate the Liège native at your peril—especially on the sport’s biggest stages.