Denis Shapovalov experienced a moment of intense frustration during his French Open match against Hubert Hurkacz. The Canadian player, known for his powerful shots and aggressive playstyle, found himself in a challenging situation when he failed to break Hurkacz at 3-4.
During this crucial game, Shapovalov missed two significant opportunities near the net. Both chances involved one-handed backhand shots that went wide, costing him the potential break. The missed shots were especially frustrating given the high stakes of the match.
In a moment reminiscent of Andrey Rublev’s recent on-court outbursts, Shapovalov’s frustration boiled over. He struck his head with his racket, visibly upset with his performance and missed opportunities. This act of self-flagellation highlighted the immense pressure and emotional intensity that professional tennis players endure during critical points in a match.
Denis Shapovalov having a Rublev moment after failing to break Hurkacz at 3-4. Missed 2 good chances near the net, both one handed backhands shots way out. Hits his head with the racket 😮 pic.twitter.com/mdfaJTWSMo
— edgeAI (@edgeaiofficial) May 31, 2024
Shapovalov’s incident serves as a stark reminder of the mental challenges athletes face, even at the highest levels of the sport. Despite the setback, he continued to compete, showcasing his determination and resilience. The episode underscores the fine line between maintaining composure and succumbing to the pressures of top-tier competition.
Shapovalov at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2024
LWLLWWLWLL Currently the world no.118, the Canadian has achieved a composed 11-13 match record in 2024. Shapovalov is currently competing at the French Open where he bested the world no.103 Luca Van Assche 6-3 6-4 6-4 and the world no.26 Frances Tiafoe 6-74 6-4 6-2 6-4.
Denis Shapovalov will square off with the world no.8 Hubert Hurkacz in the 3rd round on Friday at 3:00 pm on Court SIMONNE-MATHIEU. Their actual record is 4-1 for Hurkacz.
He is also scheduled to play in Wimbledon (Wimbledon) after Ilkley Challenger. The main draw will start on the 1st of January.
