Shapovalov would like a longer grass court season, despite suffering from allergies

With the grass court season beginning this week with the MercedesCup in Stuttgart, Denis Shapovalov is hoping to make a smooth transition from the red-dirt of Paris to manicured green lawns.

The top seed in Stuttgart spoke with ATPTour.com to elaborate on his feelings toward the grass court season, stating that he does indeed suffer from grass allergies.

"Yeah, I have been dying the last two days, it has been brutal," revealed Shapovalov. "Usually, this is the time of year I have allergies, so for sure it is difficult as my nose gets stuffed, and my eyes get itchy. It is brutal. Normally during the match, I will be fine. It is after in the evening and with the pollen too, it just gets to you, but I still love it, so it is a love-hate relationship."

Although he may experience symptoms during this time, the World No.14 still believes that the grass court season is too short, making it difficult to develop a rhythm.

"The season is so short it is tough to get into it," revealed the Canadian. "You have to be sharp right off the bat otherwise it is tricky, and you will get to Wimbledon, and other guys are more comfortable than you and you haven’t really adjusted, so it is important to feel good from the first day."

When asked about his dream opponents on grass, the 22-year stated he would like to face Bjorn Borg or Pete Sampras, "just to feel what it’s like to play against them." He also mentioned Roger Federer, whom he hopes to someday play on grass before the Swiss superstar hangs up his racket.