‘If you dominate Novak, you can beat anyone,’ Denis Shapovalov reflects on his semifinal loss at Wimbledon

‘If you dominate Novak, you can beat anyone,’ Denis Shapovalov reflects on his semifinal loss at Wimbledon

Denis Shapovalov and Novak Djokovic

The ATP tour is currently gearing up for one of the most exciting tournaments of the calendar, The Laver Cup. The tournament will definitely be missing the Big 3 but has the best lineup stacked up for both Team Europe and Team World.

Canadian Denis Shapovalov will be making his debut at the Laver Cup. He is having an amazing season so far barring some hiccups and is currently ranked 12th in the world. He had a particularly bad North American swing and ended it with a third round loss at the US Open.

But his highlight of the season came at Wimbledon where he reached the semifinals, beating some big names in former champion Andy Murray, Roberto Bautista Agut and Karen Khachanov. Eventually, he lost to top seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

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Ahead of the Laver Cup, Shapovalov spoke about that specific match against Djokovic and said that he though he could beat the Serb going into the match. “I felt that the game is there and that it was possible to play for the title,” he said.

“It’s a feeling I think I never had before … I felt I surpassed Novak at certain times in the game. If you dominate Novak, you can beat anyone.”

Team World looking to win their maiden title

Team World
Team World

Meanwhile, Team Europe has won all the previous 3 editions of the Laver Cup. However, they will be vulnerable in the absence of the Big 3 and Team World will look to push them. Felix Auger Aliassime, who will be the youngest player of the tournament spoke about the team’s chances.

“First time in Boston, also first time playing the Laver Cup,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Super-excited to be with all the team. Hopefully we put on a good show and we get Team World’s first win.”

Team World, lead by John McEnroe comprises of American giants John Isner and Reilly Opelka, Canadians Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, Diego Schwartzman and Australian showman Nick Kyrgios.

Also read: “There is no specific plan for Roger Federer’s comeback” Coach Ivan Ljubicic gives a disheartening update on Federer’s injury