Denis Shapovalov recalls the admiration of Rafael Nadal’s brilliance as a child, even as he takes pride in defeating him as a professional. In professional tennis, one of the most key moments is Nadal’s impending retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. The legend’s final exit from the sport has incited both sadness and admiration among players and fans.
However, the circumstances are much more complicated for Shapovalov of Canada. By demonstrating how even the Spaniard’s most ardent rivals view his retirement as a poetic void for tennis, Shapovalov’s response illuminates the dynamic nature of on-court rivalries.
Shapovalov recently posted a thought-provoking analysis of his favourite times spent with Nadal.
Shapovalov talked about it and said: “There have been a lot of good moments, good matches between me and Rafa. Obviously, some I have won; most I have lost. It’s been fun to go up against him and battle. I think one of the best matches or most entertaining ones we played was at the Australian Open—the five-set quarterfinal. It was definitely a special match for both of us. Yeah, playing him, you know, beating him on clay was also a great memory, a special memory for me, as well, given that the year before I had two or three match points against him and I lost that match.”
Although he did not name the year, his remarks referred to their quarterfinal matchup at the 2022 Australian Open, which is remembered for both its intensity and the controversy it generated.
Aside from the controversy, Shapovalov cherished his infrequent but important wins over Nadal, especially on clay, which is the Spaniard’s favourite surface.
He added: “Beating him on clay was also a great memory. Especially since the year before, I had two or three match points against him and still lost. So, to finally pull it off was special.”
Denis Shapovalov in 2024
Ranked no.56, Denis played his last match on the 9th of November when he beat world no.113 Hamad Medjedovic 6-4 6-4 in the final in Belgrade to win his 2nd career title.
During this season Denis owns a compiled 33-24 record. This year, the Canadian lifted the trophy in Belgrade.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
At the moment ranked no.154, Nadal played his last match on the 29th of July when he surrendered to world no.7 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season Nadal achieved a 12-7 record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant result of this year was getting to the final in Bastad.
Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal played each other 6 times. Their current head to head is 4-2 for Nadal. The last time they played each other, Denis Shapovalov won 1-6 7-5 6-2 in the 3rd round in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) in May 2022.
Here the video highlights.
Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Denis Shapovalov in 2024
Currently the world no.56, Denis played his last match on the 9th of November when he overcame world no.113 Hamad Medjedovic 6-4 6-4 in the final in Belgrade to win his 2nd career title.
This season Denis has achieved an overall 33-24 win-loss record. This year, the Canadian won 1 title in Belgrade.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked no.154, Rafael played his last match on the 29th of July when he capitulated to world no.7 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This year Rafael has achieved a composed 12-7 win-loss record. Rafael Nadal’s best result of this season was getting to the final in Bastad.
Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal played each other 6 times. The head to head is 4-2 for Nadal. Before, the last time they played, Denis Shapovalov won 1-6 7-5 6-2 in the 3rd round in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) in May 2022.
In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.
Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |