WATCH the Dallas Open FINAL LIVE in Australia on beIN SPORTS | Subscribe here and take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL

The Canadian served and volleyed on his second match point to clinch victory after one hour and 33 minutes on court, during which he saved all three break points he faced agaist No.3 seed Paul.

“It’s definitely been a big weapon for me. I was serving really well in Belgrade [in November]. I lost my rhythm a little bit after I had a stomach virus in Hong Kong. I’m really happy I was able to get it back and I’ve been serving and playing exceptionally well this week,” the 25-year-old said.

Shapovalov, who has two ATP Tour titles to his name, will aim for a first trophy above ATP 250 level on Monday (AEDT) against No.2 seed Casper Ruud, who beat Jaume Munar to seal his place in the final.

The Norwegian has never lost to the Canadian in two previous meetings.

But Shapovalov will count this week as a success no matter what happens in the final, having moved himself up 16 places to No.38 in ATP Tour rankings by beating two top 10 players in Paul and Toas Machac in Dallas.

However, he could climb as high as No.32 if he wins the title against Ruud, which would represent his highest position since September 2023.