Denis Shapovalov it is always a torrent of energy, dynamism and explosiveness in each and every one of its matches. Rivers of ink have flowed from him about his possible role in the future of tennis: what place would he have among those called to occupy the throne in the future? While other generational talents reached levels that he did not, when few expected, Denis has knocked down the door of Wimbledon 2021, getting into his first semi-finals (the first for a #NextGen member) in London after a dramatic match against Karen Khachanov. After five tough sets, the Tel Aviv-born man analyzed his performance today and was optimistic for his semi-finals against Novak Djokovic.
Physical and mental challenge of reaching their first Grand Slam semifinals after a five-set match
“I knew that against Karen it was going to be a very tough game: we had met before and they were very physical games. I think he played better than me during most of the match: it is clear that I had some opportunities, but he played them very Everything worked out for him. In the fourth set I tried to be a little more aggressive. I think he lowered the piston a bit physically, he got a little tired from the fourth set and I was able to take a step forward. By the fifth, I felt very well.
I am very happy to have won. I told myself that I should play every point in the fifth set as intensely as possible, fight for every point, no matter what the result or the timing. I think it was a very tough battle, I gave everything I had, but I’m very proud of myself. “
What did you learn from the last time you were in a similar situation (Us Open 2020 quarterfinals against Pablo Carreño)
“Precisely how to approach the fifth set. I was in a very similar circumstance against Pablo: I won the fourth set 6-0 or 6-1, very easily. That made me lower my guard and relax a little, it made me think that I had everything under control, that I had positive inertia. So things changed quickly. Now I knew that I had to face the fifth set leaving absolutely everything I had, going for my shots. That is the difference this time. I felt like I had to serve perfectly, and I think it was in the fifth set that I served better. My percentages went up, the speeds were higher. I think I raised my game, and it’s something I’m very proud of. “
Preparation to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals
“We have met a couple of times and he has always beaten me. The last times, however, have been very close matches. I feel very good, both physically and tennis. It is clear that he is playing very well, and he is going It’s going to be a tough match, but when you enter the court the score is 0-0, it’s a tennis match: anything can happen.
I am going to fight for every point. I believe in myself: I really think I have tennis to beat him. I have the tennis to win this match. “
Learning in this tournament on a physical and emotional level in a Grand Slam
“I think I have had some luck throughout the tournament and found a very good rhythm. At the beginning things were not looking good: I had to play in consecutive days after winning in five sets at Kohlschreiber. Fortunately, I had a retirement in the next round, which gave me two days to recover. Against Andy (Murray) I was quite fresh, I felt great. Then another two days off thanks to Sunday. I had the opportunity to rest a lot, for my body has been a blessing.
Today, against Karen, I felt that in the fourth set she slowed down a bit, that her body was getting tired. He played a real marathon in the previous round, and it’s pretty tough. You always want to win in three sets and you try to set your own pace, and I’ve been lucky enough to do that, but it doesn’t always happen. In general, I have felt very good. Even today, in a fifth set, he was very fresh. I feel prepared for everything. It’s great to have another day off so I can prepare 100% for the game against Novak “
Do you embrace the role of ‘underdog’ in front of Djokovic?
“No. It’s not something that worries me. I’m going to go out and play my tennis. I don’t think about any of that at all. The game will be won by the best player when the day comes, there’s no more. When you’re in the semifinals of a tournament, there are no hopefuls, no favorites, or ‘underdogs’, whatever you want to call it. It is clear that he has a lot of experience, but as I said, the score is 0-0 and from there you play the game. It’s tennis and anything can happen, that’s my mentality. “
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