“I had a lot of chances" - Shapovalov on losing to Fucsovics in Melbourne

World number 13 and one of the most mentioned names to become the Next Gen no.1, Denis Shapovalov lost in the first round of the 2020 Australian Open.

The young Canadian was facing Marton Fucsovics in the first round of the first Grand Slam of the season, Australian Open. However, he was not successful when he lost 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-7 after 3 hours and 17 minutes. Shapovalov will have a lot to improve at the Grand Slams this year as his career-best is 4th round.

“I had a lot of chances," said Shapovalov. "Up a break in the fourth set and again getting tight. Having a breakpoint and again just shanking a forehand. I am not trying to take anything away from him. I think he played an excellent match. He played really well in the fourth-set tie-break and he was super solid the whole match, but obviously not all of me was there today.”

“It has happened to me a couple of times, last year at Wimbledon it was the same thing,” said Shapovalov. “It was kind of different for me, the wins weren’t coming at that time and I wanted to do well at Wimbledon. I feel like grass really suits me. It was the same story. It happens. I think it happens to every tennis player and it is just about learning to deal with it.”

“It is definitely an adjustment [after reaching No. 13]. I feel like my game is there to beat any of the top guys, but of course there are so many great players out there and if I’m a little bit off, a little bit nervous, anyone can beat me as well,” said Shapovalov. “It is just about learning going forward. Obviously it is a disappointing one but there is nothing to do now except learn from it."

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