"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."

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."