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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