Novak Djokovic created history when he won the Wimbledon earlier this year. It was his 20th Grand Slam as he equalled the tally of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Serb overcame Matteo Berrettini in the finals but it was the close-fought semifinal that caught everyone’s eyes. Denis Shapovalov showed great grit and determination to work Djokovic for every point.
The current World No. 1 won the match in straight sets but he had to fight tooth and nail to get the better of the Canadian. Djokovic won the match 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-5 but Shapovalov earned a lot of plaudits.
The young Canadian is recently preparing for the National Bank Open, Shapovalov claimed that he showed everyone the level he can perform and feels that if he can replicate that then he can win titles.
“I showed everyone that I can play against any player. I had a great game against Djokovic,” Shapovalov was quoted as saying by Punto de Break.
“I felt that my game was really at the level necessary to reach the final and even be able to lift the title,” he added. “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 pointed out that Wimbledon has given him immense confidence going into other events. He feels that he can defeat anyone in the world.
“At Wimbledon I confirmed it (high level) by playing a great role and staying very close to reaching the grand final,” Shapovalov said. “I feel like a player with a lot of self-confidence. I feel that at the moment I can compete against anyone on any surface.”
Shapovalov will take on the winner of Japan’s Yoshito Nishioka and the United States’ Frances Tiafoe in the second round of the Toronto Masters after getting a first round bye. The World No. 10 will look to win at his native land as he feels that he is gradually growing into the player that can challenge for any title and any player under any conditions.
