“Playing patient”- Denis Shapovalov talks about his gameplan for the clash against Rafael Nadal

Denis Shapovalov has definitely had to work hard in the ongoing Australian Open 2022. The Canadian had a sloppy start to his Australian Open campaign and needed at least 4 sets in all the matches he had played thus far. However, he seems to have hit some form finally after his stunning straight-sets victory over tournament favourite Alexander Zverev in the last match.

He spent nearly 11 hours on court before his match with Zverev, but Shapovalov showed no signs of fatigue as he dispatched the World No.3 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. The win booked his place at the quarter-finals, where he would have an even more difficult challenge in facing World No.1 Australian Open 2022.

Shapovalov learning patience to keep getting better

In the shock win against Alexander Zverev, Denis Shapovalov had to spend long stretches in rallies and displayed immense resilience and doggedness to come out on top. The Canadian has had to labour hard in the tournament but has reaped the fruits for being patient on the court and never giving up.

The talented youngster touched upon the topic of patience in a recent interview. Shapovalov acknowledged the patience he has shown so far at the tournament, saying that he’s still improving in this aspect and hopes to channelize it in his quarter-final clash against Rafael Nadal, where he would surely need it.

“I’m definitely expecting a long battle out there. Obviously, he makes you play a lot. His defence is very good. So gonna have to try to play my game, take it to him and keep doing what I have been doing: playing patient, fighting for every point, and picking my spots to play aggressively.”- said the World No.14.

Shapovalov will take on Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final of the Australian Open on Tuesday, coming a full circle since his stunning win over the Spaniard to announce himself to the world way back in 2017. The 22-year-old would hope to take the game to World No.1, aiming to book a birth in the semis and improving on the 3-1 head-to-head record in the favour of the Spaniard.

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