Closing in on the world No.1 position, Rafael Nadal has said that he is encouraged by the development of the younger players on the men’s tour.
The world No.2 strolled into the third round of the Rogers Cup on Wednesday by brushing aside 20-year-old Borna Coric 6-1, 6-2. Coric is the fifth highest ranked player under the age of 21 on the ATP Tour. During their encounter, Nadal dominated proceedings with the help of a 82% winning first service rate.
“At the beginning of the match there were great points. I think I started playing so well (during) the first set. And in general, I played a great match.” Nadal commented about his performance.
Another young player awaits the ten-time French Open champion in the third round. At the age of 18, Denis Shapovalov stunned former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 7-6(4). The achievements of the Canadian teenager have been compared to those of Nadal. He is the youngest player to reach the last 16 of a Masters 1000 event since the Spaniard back in 2004.
“He’s a young player. He’s a great opponent. Is an aggressive player. He is young. He has a lot of energy.” Nadal said about the Canadian.
This season Shapovalov has already displayed glimmers of his talent on the main stage. He has won two Challenger titles in Drummondville and Gatineau. He also made his grand slam debut at Wimbledon, losing in the first round to Jerzy Janowicz. Shapovalov is the youngest player currently ranked in the world’s top 150.
Good for the game
Carefully monitoring the progression of the teenagers, the 31-year-old believes their success is important for the game. World No.8 Alexander Zverev has already won four titles this season at the age of 20 and is predicted by many pundits to rise to No.1 in the future.
“Is a great news that new young players are coming strong. I think is important for our sport to have young people there, too.” Said Nadal.
“There is two ways to involve the crowd: when some people arrives very young and brings a lot of energy, and when you have players that have a lot of years (in experience) on the tour.”
Hailing the rise of the new generation as ‘good’ for the sport, the Spanish second seed also knows of the danger he faces playing them. Experience is crucial in the sport, but you can never underestimate a player that has nothing to lose.
If Nadal defeats the Canadian teenager on Thursday, he will only be one win away from clinching the world No.1 ranking again. A position he hasn’t held since June 2014.
