Denis Shapovalov comes to Auckland in hot form after good results at the ATP Cup.

After an entertaining but also sedate first couple of days at the men’s ASB Classic, the tournament goes up a gear today when the big guns are in action for the first time,

The top four seeds, Fabio Fognini, Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov and John Isner were all given first round byes.

But the stars will come out to shine today and perhaps the brightest of them all is Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

The 20-year-old is ranked 13 in the world and has continued his steady climb up the rankings since his shock win over Rafael Nadal in Montreal in 2017.

He has shown that result wasn’t a flash in the pan and surely a move into the top 10 is on the cards for 2020.

‘‘I’m playing at a great level and I’ve been putting in a lot of good work over the last couple of years,’’ Shapovalov said of his steady rise.

‘‘Last season, even when the results weren’t coming, I kept working hard every day and eventually things started to click, I feel like my game is starting to come together, I’m feeling in great form and really excited for the start of the season.’’

At last week’s ATP Cup Shapovalov beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, while Novak Djokovic only managed to beat him in the third set tiebreaker.

‘‘I think my game is evolving and I’m becoming more of a complete player,’’ he said.

‘‘Of course, back then I beat Rafa, but it takes time for everyone to grow as a player, as a person.

‘‘I got older, gained experience and I feel like my game has improved a lot since that match.

‘‘I think it’s important to keep working, keep at it. The results are coming now, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be constantly like this, so I’ve got to keep putting the work in and fight for every match.’’

Once he gets into the top 10,