Canadian star Denis Shapovalov has been around the scene for some time now and people know that he is highly talented and is gradually getting better to compete with the big boys. Shapovalov recently pulled off the upset of the Australian Open as he defeated third seed Alexander Zverev in the fourth round clash on straight sets 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 to set up a quarterfinal date with the legendary Rafael Nadal on his first quarterfinals appearance at the Melbourne Park.
The Canadian youngster highlighted how he is expecting a long and tough battle against Nadal. He also points out how the Spanish maestro has a great defence and it will really be a different challenge for him in the quarterfinals.
“I’m definitely expecting a long battle out there. Obviously, he makes you play a lot. His defence is very good. He’s very good at what he does,” Shapovalov said. “So [I’m going to] 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 just picking my spots to play aggressively.”
Shapovalov has previously beaten Nadal which happens to be a career changing event for him as he defeated Nadal on ATP Tour in Montreal with the home fans backing the youngster. Shapovalov was only 18 back then and he will hope to seek motivation from that win as he takes on the 20-time Grand Slam winner in the quarterfinals of the Australia Open.
This has been a very exciting time for Canadian tennis with Shapovalov playing really well and also his compatriot Felix Auger-Aliassime is also gearing up to feature in the four-round clash clash against Marin Cilic.
“I think what we’ve been doing has been amazing, especially with the start of the season for Canada,” Shapovalov said. “And what we’re doing in Australia here is special, as well. Hopefully, a lot of Canadians are able to watch.”
Shapovalov has had a great start to the season with a 7-1 win and he is only getting started at the Australian Open. It will be interesting to see how the 22-year-old feature against Nadal. Tennis fans will want him to put up a strong fight against the legendary Spaniard.
