Back in 2017, Denis Shapovalov hit the headlines all over the world after he shocked Rafael Nadal in a memorable match at the Rogers Cup. Since then, the Canadian had to endure the typical ups and downs of a young gun. However, it seems that since he forged a partnership with his new coach Mikhail Youzhny Denis managed to find some more consistency in his tennis with a clear improvement in his rankings.
The Canadian sensation is about to start his run in Auckland where he is seeded no.2 against his dear friend Vasek Pospisil.
When asked about all the hype around him especially after his victory against the King of Clay, Denis commented:
“I don’t really pay attention to it. I know the hype comes and it goes, it’s something that I learned from the last couple of years beating Rafa and there is a lot of noise around me.”
And then once you start losing there is a lot of negative noise around you. Honestly, I just kind of zone it out, try to go about my own business and just listen to the people around me and focus on myself.”
Denis Shapovalov’s ranking and performance in 2020
Ranked world no.13 (career-high), the Canadian played his last match on the 10th of January when he capitulated to Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-1 7-64 in the quarter in the ATP Cup.
Pospisil in Auckland, ranking, and results in 2020
At the moment ranked no.146, Vasek has a 3-0 win-loss record in 2020. Pospisil is currently having a run in Auckland where he defeated Kiranpal Pannu 6-2 6-4, Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune 7-5 6-1 and Joao Sousa 6-4 6-2.
Vasek Pospisil will square off with Shapovalov in the 2nd round. They have never played each so far on the main tour.
Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil have never played each other on the main tour.
Denis Shapovalov |
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