Denis Shapovalov continues to improve as the end of the season approaches. The 20-year-old Canadian has had a mixed 2019 season. He had some good results early in the year, reaching the semifinals at the Miami Open. After the solid showing in Miami, Shapovalov struggled in the clay and grass seasons. He took a break from the game after Wimbledon and hired Mikhail Youzhny in the summer.
Shapovalov’s improvement
Since he started working with the former Russian player, Shapovalov has achieved some career milestones. The 20-year-old won his first ATP title this month at the Stockholm Open. He defeated Filip Krajinovic in his first-ever final. The Canadian had lost his previous seven semifinal matches. The Canadian’s good form has continued at the Paris Masters. The 20-year-old defeated Fabio Fognini in the second round of the Masters 1000 tournament. Denis went on to play Alexander Zverev in the round of 16. The world No.28 won the match 6-2 5-7 6-2 to record his first victory over the German player. Shapovalov played with confidence and did not panic after Zverev won the second set.
Youzhny and Shapovalov’s understanding
With the Canadian’s performances improving at every tournament, his cooperation with Youzhny seems to be bearing fruit. The Canadian had praised his new coach at the US Open in September. He said that the Russian coach had advised him on what to focus on during matches. The 20-year-old now has a better understanding of how to operate on the court. The Canadian said it was important for him to have a coach who would take his game to the next level. Shapovalov also revealed that he connects with the coach on a personal level. “I think he understands me really well, how I’m trying to play, finish the points.”
The Canadian will face Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals at the Paris Masters. The two will play for the second time this year after meeting in the third round at the US Open. Monfils prevailed over the Canadian in a five-set thriller. The Frenchman is one win away from qualifying for the ATP Finals and will be desperate to get the victory. However, Denis is favored to win the match in three sets given his current form. Should he win the match, the 20-year-old could potentially face Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Nadal will play against Jo Wilfried Tsonga in his quarterfinal match while Djokovic will play Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek defeated the Serbian at the Shanghai Masters last month.
Shapovalov in Paris, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.28, Denis has a 32-24 win-loss record in 2019. The Canadian is playing in Paris where he bested Gilles Simon 2-2 ret., Fabio Fognini 3-6 6-3 6-3 and Alexander Zverev 6-2 5-7 6-2.
Denis will play Monfils in the quarter. The head to head is 1-0 for Monfils.
The last time that they fought against each other, Monfils won 6-75 7-64 6-4 6-76 6-3 in the 3rd round in New York on the 31st August 2019.
Shapovalov clinched 1 title in 2019 in Stockholm.
Denis Shapovalov |
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