In terms of potential: Shapovalov has great technique, good serve and good baseline shots on both wings. His net game isn't good but he's working on it (with Bopanna) and it's improving. He has big shots but he needs to learn how to pace himself and he needs to have a better understanding of in-game tactics. Something Thiem had to learn as well. If he keeps improving (big IF) he can win multiple slams. Berrettini's technique isn't as good. He relies on a big serve and big forehand, but that's what players like Isner and Raonic do. That's top 15, top 10 stuff. When looking purely at his technique, it's really not that great. The backhand is the obvious gaping hole. His entire game is designed to protect that weakness. I'd be surprised if Berrettini wins a slam in his career, but I especially don't see him as a dominating top 2-3 player. Most importantly: Shapo is 22 and Berr is 25. 22 is young and you've got LOTS of time to improve. 25 on the other hand.. you'd expect to have your game together by then.
In terms of how the rallies went during the match: Djokovic said it, Denis said it. Shapo was dominating the rallies. He was able to win each set but faltered because of his nerves. He has a big serve but didn't need to rely on it. Whenever Djokovic hit a deep shot to Berrettini you could see his mind going blank because he knew he barely had any time to go around it, and he knows he can't hit a backhand. This resulted in many misstakes and sloppy-footwork moments where he was practically stumbling over his own feet.
In terms of attitude after the match: Berr was content, he said he would probably win a slam one day and that he was happy he was in a final right now. Shapo was kicking himself. He KNEW he should've done better. He KNEW he could've won but instead he lost every set. Shapo was crying because he knows your time on tour is finite and you need to make the most of opportunities like these. Berr seems like a nice guy but he's missing the killer instinct. He doesn't want it bad enough.
In terms of how the rallies went during the match: Djokovic said it, Denis said it. Shapo was dominating the rallies. He was able to win each set but faltered because of his nerves. He has a big serve but didn't need to rely on it. Whenever Djokovic hit a deep shot to Berrettini you could see his mind going blank because he knew he barely had any time to go around it, and he knows he can't hit a backhand. This resulted in many misstakes and sloppy-footwork moments where he was practically stumbling over his own feet.
In terms of attitude after the match: Berr was content, he said he would probably win a slam one day and that he was happy he was in a final right now. Shapo was kicking himself. He KNEW he should've done better. He KNEW he could've won but instead he lost every set. Shapo was crying because he knows your time on tour is finite and you need to make the most of opportunities like these. Berr seems like a nice guy but he's missing the killer instinct. He doesn't want it bad enough.
