Shapovalov to watch Nadal's matches against Djokovic to learn tactics
In press conference at the Australian Open following his straight-set win over Taro Daniel, Denis Shapovalov commented on how it will feel to face the 14-time Major winner Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open third round on Friday. Shapovalov said: "Novak is definitely one of the big guys I really admired and looked up to growing up. It's definitely going to be awesome, just awesome to play against him, see how my game matches up against his. Honestly, there's no pressure on me now. Obviously he's the favorite to win. I'm just going to go out there, give it my best shot, and see what happens. I think I've been playing really good tennis, so if that continues, I think I could have a chance to really make it a battle and a tough match for him. Hopefully potentially even try to win the match."
Shapovalov is lefty as well as the 17-time Major winner Rafael Nadal, who is down 27-25 in head to head meetings against Djokovic. Will he watch the Spaniard's matches against the Serb in order to get inspired and figure out some tactical plans? "Definitely", replied Shapovalov. "I'm going to look at all types of matches. I'm definitely going to try to look at players similar to my game style. I'll take a look back at Paris against Khachanov where Khachanov actually managed to beat him, what he was doing well, what was troubling Novak. And obviously matches with Rafa, I always try to pick up matches where Rafa plays my opponents just because I feel like I can kind of use the same serves he does, kind of play a little bit similar tennis to how he plays. He's definitely one guy I try to watch his matches. Yeah, I'm definitely going to try to pick up on Khachanov's match."
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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2QZxo8H
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