“He killed me on the court” Denis Shapovalov talks about practicing with Rafael Nadal

“He killed me on the court” Denis Shapovalov talks about practicing with Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov

Rafael Nadal, the 20-time Major winner, arrived in Abu Dhabi for his first match in four and a half months. Denis Shapovalov and the five-time Mubadala World Tennis Championship winner shared the practice court as they finalised their preparations for Friday’s semi-final match against Andrey Rublev & Andy Murray respectively.

The fans of Rafael Nadal or the ‘Rafanatics’ will be psyched to see the former world no. 1 return to court after such a long time. 

Dane Shapovalov after practising with Rafael Nadal 

Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov
Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov of Canada won his first match in Abu Dhabi by smashing Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-0 in just 55 minutes. Shapovalov warmed up for his match by practising with Nadal on Wednesday, and the 22-year-old admits he struggled against the Spaniard.

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“He killed me on the court yesterday so I think he’s feeling pretty good” said Shapovalov as per Eurosports. “It’s incredible to be out on the court with him. Every time I’m hitting against him, I’m just like, ‘Damn, this guy’s good,’” he added. 

In the same interview, Shapovalov said, “I mean I hit a passing shot yesterday and he just hit a drop volley off of it like it was nothing and I’m like, ‘I wish I could do that’. You really see how great they are when you practice with them. The guy hits the ball so big, he’s so good, he’s got some of the best hands I’ve seen at the net, for me it’s inspiring to practice with guys like this, for my sake to see how I can be better, or how I can improve my game so I can hopefully one day be at their level or be somewhat as good as they are.”

The ‘Rafanatics’ will be delighted to hear about the form the Spaniard is in and will be hoping for a win against Andy Murray in the semi-final this Friday. Both former world no. 1 are making comebacks from injuries. Tennis lovers will be hoping to witness an enthralling contest between the two. 

Also Read: Rafael Nadal’s outfit for 2022 Australian Open revealed!