Bad news from Milan as Denis Shapovalov decided not to compete at the NEXTGEN Finals. The ATP has put a lot of effort into this event; however, it seems that players that qualify for the Finals prefer not to compete if they are already “established.”
In the past, Zverev decided not to compete to focus on the main ATP Finals. That’s what has also happened this year to Tsitsipas, and with Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime (injured) out, the competition loses 3 of the top4 players. Nick Kyrgios has recently slammed the competition when he made fun of “his new enemy,” Casper Ruud, for qualifying.
Why Shapovalov decided not to play the NEXTGEN Finals
The Canadian is currently in the semifinal in Paris, where he is playing outstanding tennis. He will face Rafael Nadal in the final 4 and he is full of confidence that he can upset once again the King of Clay. However, Shapovalov decided that he is playing too much to skip the upcoming event in Milan. He posted the following message:
“So sorry to all my fans that will not see me play in Milan. I was really excited to go and play but unfortunately it will just be too much for me to handle. I’ve had an amazing end of the year, playing more matches than expected. My team and I have made the decision that I need to rest after Paris as my body will not be able to handle another week. Thank you so much for your support.”
Update on Milan 😔 thanks for your support 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/N7wKhJmZJf
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) November 1, 2019
Who will play the Finals?
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will replace Shapovalov. So, this is the line-up: Alex De MInaur, Denis Tiafoe, Casper Ruud, Miomir Kecmanovic, Ugo Humbert, Mikael Ymer, Jannik Sinner, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Shapovalov in Paris, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.28, Shapovalov has a 33-24 win-loss record in 2019. Denis is currently having a run in Paris where he toppled Gilles Simon 2-2 ret., Fabio Fognini 3-6 6-3 6-3, Alexander Zverev 6-2 5-7 6-2 and Gael Monfils 6-2 6-2.
Shapovalov will face Nadal in the semifinal. The head to head is 1-1.
The last time that they squared off, Nadal won 6-4 6-1 in the 3rd round in Rome on the May 2018.
Shapovalov has won 1 title in 2019 in Stockholm.
