Canadian teenage sensation Denis Shapovalov has claimed that World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and reigning Australian Open champion Roger Federer have helped him in keeping his composure intact as he targets a deep run at the ongoing French Open in Paris.
Shapovalov made his presence felt at the big stage for the first time when he upset Nadal in round 3 of the Montreal Masters in 2017. He showed that he is an all-court player just like his idols Nadal and Federer, when he made it through to the semifinals of the Madrid Open two weeks before Roland Garros.
The 19-year-old is yet to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final but maintains his positive attitude by focusing on the fact that he is one of the most improved players on the men’s tour.
Shapovalov notched up an easy three-set win over John Millman in the opening round of the tournament on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after his first round triumph, Shapovalov said: “Guys like Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, they are improving at 36, 32. I’m 19.
“I have a long way to go to get to where they are or even close to what they have achieved.
“What they have done is something that probably nobody is ever going to see again or it’s going to be a while till you see it.
“Rafa, 19, he was winning Grand Slams. Roger, the same. I mean, the guy’s got 20 Grand Slams. It’s just unheard of.
“At their age they are still improving, still getting better. So for me it’s kind of calming, in a way.
“I feel even if I don’t have the results right now, this year, next year, I feel like I have such a long way, so much time to improve and to get to where they are right now.
“So for me there is not much pressure. I’m 19. I’m playing freely every tournament. Everything is new for me.
“It’s just fun for me to go out there, first of all, in the matches and play at tournaments like this and big courts like Suzanne Lenglen.
“But at the same time, it’s fun for me to know that I can get better and to actually see myself improving. For me, that’s the most satisfying thing.”
