Novak Djokovic slows down NextGen representative Denis Shapovalov
The top seeded Serb showed no weaknesses at 6: 3, 6: 4, 4: 6, 6: 0 against 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov. However, despite a 4-1 lead in the third set, the "Djoker" still had to take the detour via round four.
by Ulrike Weinrich
last edit:
Jan 19, 2019, 12:45 pm
Industry leader Djokovic was a bit snapped when Jim Courier called him a "veteran" in an on-court interview. "What did you say?" The Serb asked the former Melbourne champ and played the outraged Hollywood-style.
But "Nole" knew only too well that Courier was right. Djokovic is twelve years older than Shapovalov. And every win against a representative of the upcoming NextGen is good.
The viewers also noticed that he likes the blonde left-hander from Canada. When "Shapo" hit a notable forehand winner in the first set, Djokovic applauded the teen. And it was meant honestly.
"Nole" only "scolded" about the floodlights
The chairman, who had the floodlights in the Rod Laver switched on during the game, made the top seed go wild. "It just didn't make sense. We still had four hours of daylight," Djokovic said after the game.
The praise for his opponent Shapovalov (ATP No. 27) continued unabated. "He has a complete game, a great service, can play the ball flat, but also with spin. And I like his mentality, he's always positive on the pitch," said the 31-year-old.
Shapovalov still lacks the experience "in big matches on the big stage", but the development will come, predicted the current Wimbledon and US Open winner.
Djokovic reaches for his seventh Melbourne title at the "Happy Slam" on the Yarra River since 2008. And the next opponent is again one who is the "veteran" in light years of routine.
The Russian Daniil Medvedev, placed 15th in the first major of the year, is already 22 years old.