"Huge weight off my back" says Shapovalov after winning 5-setter vs Kohlschreiber

Shapovalov was cruising early in this match winning the opening set 6-4 before losing the next one 4-6. He fought hard and won the 3rd set with 6-3 before he squandered a 5-3 lead in the 4th set. After that, the match got suspended at 5-5 due to rain.

Four hours later they returned and Kohlschreiber forced a decided where Shapo ultimately won. After the match he said:

“It’s a great feeling to win this match especially against a great player like Philipp, who I watched a lot growing up. I am a huge fan of his game. It’s great to see him back in good form."

Read also

2021 Wimbledon ATP/WTA Prize Money with £35,016,000 on offer

For Shapovalov getting over the first round, the challenge was important for his confidence as he endured a lot of disappointing losses lately. He said:

“It’s a huge weight off my back, going in the first round of a major and not knowing how the courts will play, especially as you can’t practise too much on it. I am really happy that I was able to pull through and come up with big points when I needed them. Philipp is a really, really tough competitor so it’s a good win for me."