Shapovalov signed on for Classic
Denis Shapovalov is coming to Auckland for next year’s ASB Classic, the hottest prospect in men’s tennis in over a decade.
The 18-year-old Canadian last month became the youngest player since Rafael Nadal in 2004 to break into the top 50.
It has been an incredible year for him, with the highlight being at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, where after being given a wildcard, he defeated Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal and Adrian Mannarino to make it to the semifinals, eventually losing to Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-5.
Shapovalov backed that up by coming through qualifying at the US Open and getting to the round of 16, defeating JoWilfried Tsonga along the way.
He started the year ranked 250 in the world and playing in tiny Futures tournaments, but has shot to prominence in a manner few players have managed.
It is a major coup for Classic tournament director Karl Budge to sign Shapovalov for January’s event and it could be one of those ‘‘I was there when’’ moments, as it’s become with Nadal and Roger Federer’s appearances in Auckland in their formative years.
‘‘This is the signing we have wanted all year,’’ Budge said.
‘‘There is no question he is the future of men’s tennis and what he’s achieved this year has been staggering.
‘‘Every year we are asked can we get Federer or Nadal here. We’ve had them both.
‘‘This is your opportunity to see this kid who is the hottest property in tennis right now. You don’t want to miss your chance.’’
Although he won Junior Wimbledon last year, he arguably first achieved fame at this year’s Davis Cup tie against Great Britain, but not really for the right reasons.
When playing against Kyle Edmund he took a wild swing at a ball after losing a point.
Instead of it going skywards, it came off his racket and hit the umpire, Arnaut Gabas, in his left eye.
With a swollen face, Gabas announced: ‘‘Game, set and match to Great Britain by disqualification.’’
A shame-faced Shapovalov said how embarrassed he was at what happened in the post-match press conference.
‘‘It was unacceptable behaviour from me,’’ he said.
‘‘I feel incredibly ashamed and embarrassed, for letting my team down and my country down. That’s the last time I’m going to do anything like that. I’m going to learn from it.’’
Thankfully, there hasn’t been any repeat of such a display and he doesn’t appear to be the next Nick Kyrgios.
Instead, he looks to be a player with the potential to be at the top of tennis for a decade.
He has talents haven’t gone unnoticed by the other players and Federer recently said how impressed he’s been by the young Canadian.
‘‘I like watching Denis.’’ Federer told Tennis TV. ‘‘I remember watching him in the juniors at Wimbledon on TV. Then I remember practising with him a few years back in Toronto.
‘‘He had these big shots, great sliding serve and a lot of different types of shot. And I like to see that. I like people who go for it and have a positive demeanour about themselves.’’
The other men’s players confirmed for the Classic are last year’s champion Roberto Bautista Agut, this year’s winner Jack Sock and John Isner, who won the tournament in 2010 and 2014.
The men’s Classic begins on January 8 and is preceded by the women’s tournament, where Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska and Lauren Davis are already confirmed to play.