Denis Shapovalov Admits Roger Federer Was His Biggest Inspiration While Growing up

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is one of the most famous tennis players of all time. Not only is the Swiss Maestro is a 20-time Grand Slam champion, but he also spent 310 weeks as the World No. 1 player.

Undoubtedly, Federer has fans all over the world in the millions. However, it is not just tennis viewers who are fans of Roger and feel inspired by him. In fact, many players on the circuit, especially the younger ones, too, are his fans.

Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov is one of the many players who has now shared Roger Federer as his inspiration to play tennis.

Roger Federer inspired Shapovalov to play tennis

22-year-old Denis Shapovalov, while being terrific on the court, is also quite active on social media. Sadly, the Canadian tested positive for the coronavirus this week and has since been in quarantine in Sydney.

However, while on the mend, he is using his time to interact with fans online. Recently, he asked fans on his Twitter to send in their queries for a quick question-answer session.

Many fans came with their questions, from Denis’ opinions on pineapple pizza to his struggles with frozen bananas. Moreover, some even asked Shapovalov his favorite TV show, to which he replied that his all-time favorite TV show is ‘The Office’.

Then, one fan asked Shapovalov a really beautiful question. “Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?” the fan asked. Almost immediately, Denis replied, as if without hesitation. “Probably Roger Federer!” he said.

Even though technically, Federer is still one of their rivals on the circuit, many younger players are also fans of Roger Federer. World No. 13 Diego Schwartzman from Argentina is also one of the most vocal fans of Roger.

ALSO READ: ‘Let Him Play in a Suit’: Diego Schwartzman Wants Roger Federer To Play Forever

It is amusing to see the massive star-following of Federer.

Diego Schwartzman wishes to never see Federer retire

Diego Schwartzman of Argentina has also repeatedly expressed his awe for Federer. In fact, he also expressed sorrow at seeing Federer age with time. Schwartzman had no qualms calling Federer his ‘hero’ when he said that it’s sad to see Federer getting weaker with time.

Furthermore, he admitted to being one of Federer’s millions of fans. In fact, just like all of Roger’s fans, Diego, too, stated his wish to see Roger Federer play forever.

“I hope he keeps coming back once a year,” Diego had said in an interview with the ESPN Playroom.

Well, if wishes were to come true this holiday season, we sure wish Diego’s does!

DIVE DEEPER: Uncertainties Continue To Rise, Threatening The Australian Open 2022 On The Horizon