“I want to use my game to inspire kids" - Shapovalov on his influence

Denis Shapovalov is the best player under 21 years in the ATP Ranking and now he spoke to ATP Uncovered about his childhood and possible future.

Shapovalov is often mentioned as one of the biggest talents of men's tennis. Sitting in 15th position, the young Canadian is the best player under 21 years in the ATP Ranking. He is followed by his fellow countryman, Felix Auger-Aliassime in the 21st place. The two Canadians show a lot of promise to Canadian tennis in the future. Felix and Denis are the only 2 players younger than 21 years in the TOP 50 of the ATP Rankings.

”Growing up, I wasn’t a normal kid,” Shapovalov said to ATP Uncovered presented by Peugeot. “I remember waking up at 5:00 or 6:00 am to practice before school, training at 10:00 or 11:00 pm, trying to get better, improving something, crying on the court and just putting in everything I had."

”My parents and my team put in so much effort because we came from our own way. We didn’t get any support so we had to put in all the effort, all the money, everything. We were questioning what we should do because we got to a certain point where I was traveling and we couldn’t afford to go to more tournaments. But I always believed in myself and my family believed in me.”

“I want to use my game to inspire more kids that are going their own way, that aren’t supported. And show that it’s possible to do it on your own if you truly believe and work hard,” he said. “Hopefully it can inspire the young generation of Canada to pick up racquets and believe that they can become tennis players [while] living and training in Canada.”

”When I wake up, my only purpose is to get better and improve something. I’m trying to grow as a player and a person. I want to enjoy where I am in my career,” Shapovalov said. “I don’t have to worry about finances anymore or what I’m going to do if I don’t win this match. Just have fun out there and show the world my game."

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