“I Feel Really Lucky”: Denis Shapovalov on Defeating Marin Cilic at Western & Southern Open 2020

Canadian Tennis professional Denis Shapovalov edged past Marin Cilic to go all the way through to the Round of 32. Marin was no match for Denis. who marched away to victory in straight sets. Although the win was a cakewalk, Marin termed it as ‘definitely a huge win’. Coming back from the long break the win was important for Denis Shapalov.

“Definitely a huge win, especially against a guy like Marin, who is such a great player and such a great competitor. To beat a guy like him is really good for me”, Shapovalov shared.

The victory was easy for Shapovalov, however, he did not fail to acknowledge his opponent’s abilities. He claimed it was really hard to make the break in the first set because Marin was serving really well. Shapovalov did find returning some of the serves difficult.

“It is really tough when he’s serving so well. It is really tough to get a racquet on it. So I feel really lucky to fight off some breakpoint early on in the first set“, he added.

Denis Shapovalov continues his domination

The 2014 US Open Champion Marin Cilic faltered heftily as he spectated Shapovalov winning the match 6-3 6-3.  This marked the 4th time these two locked horns. Continuing the domination against Marin, this was Shapovalov’s third victory against him.

His victory against Cilic meant all three Canadian players are through to the round of 32. The others being Felix Auger Aliassime and Milos Raonic. Shapovalov will be facing German Jan-Lennard Struff in the Round of 32.

Shapovalov admitted it was quite difficult to maintain the momentum after the long break from tennis. However, he is thankful because of the fact that his coach was able to be by his side all this time and help him practice and improve.

Shapovalov is seeded 12th in the upcoming US Open which is all set to commence on August 31. Shapovalov would be looking forward to preparing himself for the upcoming Grand Slam. He is the highest-ranked Canadian in the US Open rooster, therefore he would be looking forward to exhibiting some stellar performance.