MADRID: It was a delighted 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov who triumphed in the battle of Canada’s top two players at the Madrid Open.
Taking to the court on Thursday afternoon, the world No.43 battled to a 6-4, 6-4, triumph over Milos Raonic after 83 minutes of play. Firing a total of 28 winners past his fellow countryman. The win earned Shapovalov a place in the quarter-finals of a Masters 1000 event on the clay for the first time in his career. Last year he also reached the semifinals of the Montreal Masters, becoming the youngest player to do so since the series began in 1990.
“It was definitely one of my best days on clay. To be on the court against such a legend for me, and for my country, it was an honour.” Said Shapovalov. “It was fun. There was no pressure on me. Obviously a lot more on him playing a young guy coming up. But, I mean, I just enjoyed myself.”
It was the first time the two players had met on the tour. Earlier in the week Raonic described the Next Gen star as a ‘incredibly talented player’ who ‘can do a lot of things.’ Praise that has been returned kindly by Shapovalov.
“He’s such a legend in our country. I mean, he’s been dominating the sport in our country and in the world. I’ve always looked up to him.” He said of Raonic.
“To beat a guy like that, like I said, it’s a huge confidence booster for me. Hopefully I can take that going forward.”
Raonic has achieved a series of historic milestones for his country. In 2013 he became the first ever Canadian to break into the world’s top 10 on the men’s tour. Three years later he became the first to contest a grand slam final, losing to Andy Murray at Wimbledon. To date the 27-year-old has eight ATP titles to his name.
The NextGen effect
There is little time to celebrate. In the last eight, Shapovalov will take on Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund in what will be a battle of the rising stars. The British No.1 disposed of David Goffin in straight sets during his third round match. Following up on his victory against Novak Djokovic on Thursday.
“Shapovalov has got good ground-strokes, likes to come forward, very active when he plays and stuff.” The Brit said about the Canadian.
“But everyone in the quarter-finals now has won matches and is playing well so I I guess just try and do my thing, do my recovery.” He added.
Both players have been involved with the ATP NextGen campaign. An intuitive set up to promote and develop players under the age of 21 in the top 200. Their latest clash is another example of the rising stars breaking on the tour. Something that delights Shapovalov.
“We have a really talented group, a lot of young, hard-working guys that are actually really nice guys, too, which is always a bonus. Yeah, it’s a really strong group coming up. It’s unbelievable to see all these young guys doing well in these tournaments.”
Similar to words spoken earlier this week, Shapovalov says he is motivated by the results of his fellow NextGen rivals. Citing Stefanos Tsitsipas as one example. The Greek player is currently at a ranking high of 40th in the world after reaching the final of the Barcelona Open followed by the semifinals in Estoril.
“Stefanos, he’s been playing exceptional for the past couple weeks. That’s motivated me to get back on the court, train extremely hard. This week I’ve managed to kind of do well, as well. I’m sure the rest of the guys are looking, as well, looking to work hard. It’s just great to see.” Shapovalov revealed.
The Canadian No.2 will take on Edmund on Friday night. Their head-to-head stand at 2-1 to Shapovalov (not counting retirements).
