Denis Shapovalov, and from anonymity to stardom in a very short time

Photo: Julie Jacobson Associated Press
The Ontario may be found at the doors of the top 50 on Monday.

Canadians have been captivated by the play of Denis Shapovalov to the Rogers Cup, in Montreal. The rest of the planet has followed in the International of the United States, in New York.

The Ontario 18 years of age, who was playing tournaments dark earlier this summer, has delighted the audience at an event of the Grand Slam. Beating some of the biggest names in tennis, it has been a spectacular rise in the ranking of the ATP.

“It is certain that my life has changed since a month “, said Shapovalov.

August 10 at Uniprix Stadium, he was wowed by eliminating the world number 1 Rafael Nadal, in the fourth round of the final. He also defeated Juan Martin del Potro before losing in the semi-final in front of Alexander Zverev, who was walking away.

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At Flushing Meadows, Shapovalov has had to go through the qualifications. In the main table, he dismissed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before losing in the fourth round to face Pablo Carreno Busta.

Not bad for a player who was barely in the top 200 three months ago. Currently 69th, he could be found at the doors of the top 50 when will be released the new rankings Monday.

“The victory against Rafa, it was the cherry on the sundae, said Shapovalov. Just to be able to compete with him, it gives you telllement confidence in you. See that it was tight, I really sent the message that I was at my place on the same field as these guys. “

“You have mastered my nervousness to succeed in the moves I’ve made in the crucial moments, it was very inspiring and very motivating. “

Shapovalov is made to recognize a lot more than before. It inspires him, especially the impact it has to the younger supporters.

“I see all these kids who become excited by seeing me, said the athlete from Richmond Hill. It’s cool to see that I inspire them to start playing tennis. “

Described as “the breath of fresh air that the tennis needs” by none other than John McEnroe, Shapovalov was able to catch his breath for a few days, spending time with his family and his friends.

He will be back in action next week in Edmonton, where Canada will face off against India in the Davis Cup, at the Northlands Coliseum.