Denis Shapovalov and Stefanos Tsitsipas share many similarities. They are among the most exciting #nextgen of the ATP tour. Both conquered their maiden title in Stockholm, and they “carry the flag” and the future hopes of one of the most “romantic” shots in tennis: the one-handed backhand.
Federer the idol that inspired them
Soon after winning his maiden title in Sweden, when asked about when he started to use his fantastic one-handed backhand, Denis commented
“[I started at] 6 years old. It was just natural for me to let go of my two-handed backhand. So my parents just said go with one hand, and obviously Roger [Federer] was a big Idol of mine. So I really tried to hit my backhand in like him.”
When asked if he would recommend the one-handed backhand to youngsters, Denis replied:
“It really depends on the kid. Some kids aren’t as strong at an early age. I was pretty big, pretty strong so I started earlier. But it’s difficult when you have a 1-hander regardless because you’re small and everyone heads up on it. But I think in the long run, it’s a great shot, and I feel like it’s a really big strength to me nowadays.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bse9g60BLVe/
Tsitsipas also inspired my Federer and Sampras
Stefanos Tsitsipas is another #nextgen that has never hidden the fact that he loves his one-handed backhand. He also confirmed that he was inspired to adopt this shot by Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.
Who knows, probably in 10 years, the newcomers will also confess to being inspired to use the 1-hander by Denis and Stefanos.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjeVCBZgXE0/
Shapovalov in Vienna, Tsitsipas in Basel
Denis and Stefanos are going to play this week at an ATP500 event. Both are going to clash against a Spaniard in the 1st round. The Canadian chose to compete in Vienna, where he will face Pablo Carreno Busta in the opener. The Greek will play in Basel, and he will lock horns with Albert Ramos Vinolas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgQIUBdFFS4/
Denis Shapovalov’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.27, the Canadian played his last match on the 20th of October when he defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-4 6-4 in the final in Stockholm to win his 1st career title.
This year the Canadian has a 29-23 win-loss record. The Canadian conquered 1 title in Stockholm.
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.7, Stefanos played his last match on the 12th of October when he lost to Daniil Medvedev 7-65 7-5 in the semifinal in Shanghai.
This year Tsitsipas has a 44-22 win-loss record. Stefanos conquered 2 titles in 2019 in Marseille and in Estoril. Tsitsipas was the finalist in Dubai, in Madrid and in Beijing.
Denis Shapovalov and Stefanos Tsitsipas played each other 5 times. The head to head is 4-1 for Shapovalov.
The last time that they competed against each other, Denis Shapovalov won 4-6 6-3 7-63 in the 4th round in Miami on the 26th March 2019.
