The ATP Queen’s Club Championships main draw kicked off on Monday. Still, it has already provided contenders for shots of the year as Canadian Dennis Shapovalov and Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp produced some spectacular shots on their way to securing victory in their opening matches. Amid the frenzy of the World Cup currently captivating sports fans, you likely missed it. We at LWOT are here to make sure you don’t miss out on anything interesting and have brought both moments to you. Let’s get into it, and do let us know in the comments whose shot you felt was more impressive.
Shot of the Year Contenders
Dennis Shapovalov Steals Crucial Point
In what was an enthralling and captivating three-set battle against home hopeful Jack Pinnington Jones, the Canadian hit a diving volley in the third-set tiebreak to steal the point and in doing so bring up match point, which he duly took to win the match. It was the kind of flamboyance we’ve come to expect from Shapovalov, and fans of the mercurial 27-year-old will certainly be hoping the grass season can bring out the best in him as it occasionally does, following what has been an underwhelming season so far.
What. A. Finish ‼️@denis_shapo pulls off the spectacular & weathers the storm against home hope Pinnington Jones@atptour #HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/p2zAfXSCSh
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 15, 2026
Botic Van de Zandschulp’s Tweener Magic
In what was a bit more of a straightforward victory for Botic Van de Zandschulp playing against Harry Wendelken, the Dutchman produced what the match will most be remembered for. Midway through the second set, while leading 6-4, 4-3, he produced an incredible tweener lob to win the first point, leaving his opponent flapping at air. It was a thrilling finish to a nice little rally and created the platform for the Dutchman to create two break points. Ultimately, he was unable to capitalise on any of them, as Wendelken held, making his outstanding shot nothing more than a footnote in the match. He still went on to win, though, in a tight second-set tiebreak.
NO WAY 🤯
Botic van de Zandschulp with the OUTRAGEOUS tweener lob! 🥶#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/ZuSip42nXI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 15, 2026
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
