Newly installed in the top 10, Shapovalov leads Canadian hopes at French Open

When the COVID-19 pandemic put the ATP Tour on hold earlier this year, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov used the extended break to work on using a more patient approach on court.

The subtle change has paid off with strong results since play resumed.

Shapovalov cracked the top 10 for the first time this week after impressive performances at the US Open and the Italian Open. He’s hoping to ride that momentum into the French Open starting Sunday at Roland Garros.

The 21-year-old left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ont., leads a Canadian men’s singles contingent that includes Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, Vancouver’s Vasek Pospisil and Toronto’s Steven Diez.

Tennis broadcaster Robert Bettauer, a former national coach, said he’s been impressed by Shapovalov’s net game and consistency from the backcourt.

“His net game has gone to a whole other level and I give credit to him playing doubles for that,” Bettauer said. “He’s developed a doubles player volley. It’s really compact and efficient. And so now he’s really starting to take advantage of his penetrating ground strokes.”