Doha: Denis Shapovalov has had a few ups and downs over the past few months, but the Canadian is a hot favourite to clinch the title in Doha at the 30th Qatar ExxonMobil Open which begins today.
In his second appearance at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash complex, the 22-year-old top seed is hoping he is going to enjoy a great tournament.
Shapovalov’s impressive runs in last year’s Wimbledon and the Australian Open few weeks ago were halted by two of the greatest players of all time – Novak Djokovic in London and Rafael Nadal in Melbourne. The Wimbledon 2021 semi-finalist was denied the last-four entry after he lost to Nadal in a marathon five-setter – but the defiant Canadian is aiming to carry his moment in Doha despite the presence of a strong field.
“I think any tournament you go to (has) a strong field. I think there’s a lot of great players. It’s a difficult tournament for sure. In terms of my game, I feel good. Conditions are pretty similar to Australia, actually. So obviously I played really well there. So, you know, just a little bit more comfortable on the courts here. The ball is the same like Australia, so I feel comfortable with myself in my game and a couple of practices that I’ve had here feels good. Physically I’m feeling really, really good. So, hopefully I can have a great week and yeah, I’m looking forward to the first match,” said Shapovalov, who will take on either Slovakia’s Alex Molcan and Australian or qualifier Christopher O’Connel tomorrow.
However, the singles top-seed will partner with India’s Rohan Bopanna’s against Molcan and Czech Jiri Vesely in their doubles Round of 16 clash this evening.
Shapovalov admitted there is extra pressure when heading into a tournament being the top seed, but the 2021 Doha quarter-finalist said he is ready to deal with it.
“Of course, I think there’s pressure in any tennis match you play. Obviously, it’s different pressure being a seed compared to being an underdog. For sure, it’s different and it’s something I’m learning to deal with as well. For sure, you feel a little bit different stepping on onto the court, but yeah, it’s definitely something I’m working on,” Shapovalov, who could be on a collision course with the defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia at the $1,176,595 ATP Tour 250 event, said.
“I think it’s a privilege to be seeded and to have that pressure. But it’s something that I think the top players get used to,” the six-feet plus left-hander said.
After his loss against Nadal - the eventual winner in Melbourne, Shapovalov headed to Rotterdam where he suffered a shock defeat in the hands of Czech Jiri Lehecka in Round of 32.
Shapovalov said switching to such different conditions within a short period is something top players excel at.
“That’s what best players in the world do so well, something I’ve really struggled a little with but something I’m looking to get better at. Becoming consistent on every surface and adapting quicker will improve my chances of going back into the top 10. I can play great tennis at time but the adapting thing has been a bit more tricky for me and it is something I definitely want to improve that,” he added.
In the other Qatar ExxonMobil Open singles action today, sixth seeded Russian Karen Khachanov will take on American Mackenzie McDonald, 5th seed Daniel Evans of Britain playing Belorusian Egor Gerasimov, Italian qualifier Thomas Fabbiano meeting Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp, and qualifier Christopher Eubanks of the US up against South Korean Soonwoo Kwon.
Later, Kwon will team up with Lorenzo Musetti for doubles against defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili and his partner Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Action begins 2.30pm today.
QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN
TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY
CENTRE COURT
(Matches start at 2:30pm)
Alex Molcan (SVK) vs [Q] Christopher O'connell (AUS)
Followed by
[Q] Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) vs Botic Van De Zandschulp (NED)
Not before 6:00pm
Karen Khachanov (RUS) [6] vs Mackenzie Mcdonald (USA)
Followed by
Daniel Evans (GBR) [5] vs Egor Gerasimov (BLR)
GRANDSTAND 1
(Matches start at 2:30pm)
[Q] Christopher Eubanks (USA) vs Soonwoo Kwon (KOR)
Followed by
Alexander Bublik (KAZ)/Marton Fucsovics (HUN) vs Ivan Dodig (CRO)/Michael Venus (NZL) [2]
Not Before 5:00 pm - After suitable rest
Alex Molcan (SVK)/Jiri Vesely (CZE) vs Rohan Bopanna (IND)/Denis Shapovalov (CAN)
GRANDSTAND 2
Not before 5:00 pm - After suitable rest
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO)/Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) vs Soonwoo Kwon (KOR)/Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)