Shapovalov puts French Open on notice
Canada’s Denis Shapovalov is hoping to ride the momentum from his impressive clay-court season into the upcoming French Open.
Shapovalov has risen to a careerhigh No. 26 in the world rankings after reaching the semifinal in Madrid and the round of 16 in Rome this month. He will be the No. 24 seed at Roland Garros and is scheduled to face unseeded Australian John Millman in the opening round.
“His preparation, this clay-court swing, has been above expectations really,” said coach Martin Laurendeau. “Last year he didn’t even win a match in six or seven weeks on clay. Clay wasn’t really his friend, it was more his enemy than anything. This year it was all about trying to play a full season of clay in the calendar and just learn along the way.”
Shapovalov, from Richmond Hill, Ont., didn’t make it out of the first round of qualifying at the French Open last year.
He went on to enjoy a breakout season and has emerged as one of the ATP World Tour’s top young players.
“Honestly it’s no secret, (there’s) nothing crazy that I’ve done,” Shapovalov said. “It’s just been a lot of hard work.”
Shapovalov beat three top-50 players — including compatriot Milos Raonic — before falling to third-ranked Alexander Zverev in the Madrid semifinals.
In Rome, the 19-year-old Canadian defeated world No. 17 Tomas Berdych and No. 44 Robin Haase before losing to new No. 1 Rafael Nadal.
“I’m trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn’t still on every surface and at every tournament,” Shapovalov said.
Two other Canadians will join Shapovalov in the main draw of the competition with first-round play set to begin Sunday.
Peter Polansky of Thornhill, Ont., lost his final qualification match Friday, but gained a lucky loser spot. He’ll face unseeded Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round.
Vancouver’s Vasek Pospisil will open against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.