‘After playing with Djokovic at 2021 Wimbledon, I knew that I could play with anybody at a high level,’ says Denis Shapovalov
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Denis Shapovalov and Novak Djokovic
World No.10 Denis Shapovalov has been making the big moves on the ATP tour in 2021. The Canadian super star has put in a series of positive results, across surfaces, owing to which he has also cracked the top-10 of the men’s rankings for the first time in his young career.
As Shapovalov gets ready for the North American hard court swing in Toronto, he answered addressed the media on his recent deep finishes at the Grand Slams, especially 2021 Wimbledon, where he was the losing semifinalist to World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
“I showed everyone that I can play against any player. It was like I had a great game against Djokovic. I felt that my game was really at the level necessary to reach the final and even be able to lift the title, but in front of me I had a player of the stature of Djokovic who, although he does not always play at his best level, he can come out victorious because he has that winning aura of great champions,” the 22-year-old clarified.
Tennis fans will vividly remember Shapovalov leaving the Centre Court, teary-eyed after his loss to the Serb in straight sets. It was even reported that Djokovic went in search of his younger opponent to offer some comforting words in the men’s locker room.
Reflecting on the episode, the southpaw said, “It was the feeling of having a match so close and that it escapes due to small details. After that tournament, I was sad for a couple of weeks. I left that game crying inconsolably because I had a lot of things.”
Shapovalov to play Tiafoe
Shapovalov will take on American Frances Tiafoe in his opening round at the Canada 1000 Masters in Toronto, as he prepares for the final Grand Slam of the year in New York. For the year till now, the Canadian has a 23/15 win/loss record and as far as the hard courts are concerned, he has won seven and lost six. His best performance on the surface for the season came in Dubai, where he ended up making the semis.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)