Denis Shapovalov: I grew up wanting to play on show courts
Denis Shapovalov defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets in the Miami Open fourth round to reach the quarter-finals. The match had to be halted due to rain and it finished quite late on that day. In a post game interview, the Tel Aviv native said: "I knew Stefanos was going to be a tough match. I was ready for a long battle and, sure enough, it went the distance,” said Shapovalov. “I’m just happy with the way I controlled myself and the way I played.”
On his match against Frances Tiafoe, the 19-year-old added: “It’s always great to play Frances. We’re really good buddies and I think very highly of him. He’s going to be a great champion and he’s got a really bright future ahead of him. It’s going to be an exciting match. We’re both shotmakers, so I’m just ready for another fun [and] tough match.” Shapovalov defeated Tiafoe in the quarter-finals in three sets again and later, lost to Roger Federer in the semi-finals on Friday, 6-3, 6-4.
In an interview to Tennis View Magazine, Shapovalov said: “I feel like anytime I get put on these show courts, it’s kind of an honor for me, a privilege to be on them. I grew up wanting to play on them, so any chance I get, I try to rise to the occasion, and at the end of the day, I feel like we’re all kind of showman. I grew up wanting to play in front of the crowds, in front of the people, so yeah, it’s something I really look forward to.”
Shapovalov also commented on his win over Andrey Rublev in the third round: “Honestly, it kind of helped me in a way, helped me release and just let out some tightness, and after that I just kind of refocused, regrouped, and focused on the next point because I knew it was such a big one.”
On Sunday, Federer lifted his fourth title in Miami beating John Isner in the final.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2U9teSb
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