The Shape Of Things To Come: Denis Shapovalov!

[prairiegirl]

I haven't had a chance to watch Shapo's match today, but his attitude was not that great yesterday. He argued with the ref.

I think Denis is a mama's boy and I think his extensive travel and PR 'commitments' are starting to weigh on him. Too much. Too fast. He needs to regroup. LIfe isn't a rush, even if people are pushing you. (That's not to say his team is pushing him. I think it's the ATP. The crowd love Shapo and they want to capitalize on it...fast.)

And now, the expectations are for him to WIN!!!

Denis, take a step back. There's a long career ahead. Don't let them push you.

I don't know what you mean by mama's boy but I'll leave to you to decide. But, yes, there has been too much too fast. I have really disagreed with that for the longest time, but now I feel it might be true. Too much happening to a young kid who's just learning his craft. Are they pushing him too hard? I don't know. But this is what I see. He seems to be a level-headed, nice young fellow. All the announcers say the same thing; that he's very well liked among the other players and he's extremely easy going off court. They also say he's a very hard worker. As a teenager he's also got what I call "raging hormone syndrome". He's still growing physically and psychologically. I know there have been a few teens who've achieved spectacularly in the past. But, they are few and far between. I don't really expect much of Denis for another two to three years. Then, I think we'll see his potential unfold.

If you read that brief article by Rod Laver, that I posted on this thread, he says it all very nicely. Let's not expect too much of him too soon. He hasn't exactly been doing that much PR, no commercials except for BioSteel and pretty light on articles and other media. But, the ATP is hyping him a lot and I think they need to ease down. He'll get there in his own time. Today wasn't a good day but there is always tomorrow.

 

[gogo]

Did You Know?
Adrian Mannarino is one of four players in the Top 30 of the ATP Rankings without an ATP World Tour title.
The other three are British No. 1 Kyle Edmund, South Korean Hyeon Chung and #NextGenATP Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

He needs to get busy and get a title.

Cheers
3Fees

And there's the problem. People saying he needs to get a title NOW. No he doesn't.

 

[prairiegirl]

Oh, I totally agree with you on this one. He has plenty of time. Maybe he's rushing a bit?

 

[Smurph]

it's obvious that Denis is getting appearance fees and along with that comes PR obligations, which leads to even more hype. I think the ATP is pushing him bigtime. He is getting great court assignments, which leads to even more exposure. It has to be tough to deal with as a young person. A lot has changed in his life in the last year. I wish he could be more anonymous, but I don't see that happening for a while. He needs to just concentrate on improving his overall game.

 

[prairiegirl]

Yes, it can't be easy. I'm sure there are some days he wishes he could be a regular teenager. I think things will settle down eventually but it will be wild at Rogers Cup with huge pressure on him. That's a lot to deal with.

 

[stringertom]

Yes, it can't be easy. I'm sure there are some days he wishes he could be a regular teenager. I think things will settle down eventually but it will be wild at Rogers Cup with huge pressure on him. That's a lot to deal with.

He turned 19 in the midst of a now nearly 3-month Euro campaign of living out of a suitcase. Getting home to NA will be welcome relief. The buzz in Toronto will be UUUGGGEEE but he'll manage it, hopefully better than he's handling this peculiarly long patch of southpaws. Still, work on that kicker serve to battle that inevitable next lefty. You did OK vs Nadal and Mannarino in Montreal last year so it can be done!

 

[3fees]

And there's the problem. People saying he needs to get a title NOW. No he doesn't.

He needs to do ATP 250, then ATP 500 then M1K's,,get some titles under the belt, get seasoned..

Cheers
3Fees

 

[gogo]

He turned 19 in the midst of a now nearly 3-month Euro campaign of living out of a suitcase. Getting home to NA will be welcome relief. The buzz in Toronto will be UUUGGGEEE but he'll manage it, hopefully better than he's handling this peculiarly long patch of southpaws. Still, work on that kicker serve to battle that inevitable next lefty. You did OK vs Nadal and Mannarino in Montreal last year so it can be done!

But that was a short hop skip and a jump from Toronto.
This may be Shapo's Achilles heel. He is a home boy. (And when has anyone last seen his father? His Father's Day post was a nod to another father. I think it's weighing on him.)

Denis, just do you. No rush. We'll check in in 3 or 4 years. You'll be doing fine. Don't force it. I hate that we are the force behind the pressure.

 

[pnw_hardcourt]

Sharpo's attitude yesterday and today was terrible... He gets mad when fans started cheering when it looked like he got a winner. Like dude, you're 19 and ppl love you, they were cheering for you, so excitedly they jumped the gun a bit, and you get angry? Give me a break!

What a huge disappointment to see.

 

[stringertom]

But that was a short hop skip and a jump from Toronto.
This may be Shapo's Achilles heel. He is a home boy. (And when has anyone last seen his father? His Father's Day post was a nod to another father. I think it's weighing on him.)

Denis, just do you. No rush. We'll check in in 3 or 4 years. You'll be doing fine. Don't force it. I hate that we are the force behind the pressure.

Short hop from Toronto? He left for M-C in early April and had no gap between matches longer than 13 days. That's the grind of ATP Tour life and thus is his first full year out there doing it on a global scale. It's a hard lifestyle to which one must adjust.


You're vastly overrating our impact. Two years ago Shapo was a bit amused there was such a thing as TTW and that there was a thread about him as well as teenagers on the rise. As to other social media, he has a very small fraction of total followers when compared to giant sports icons (55K vs 70million for Ronaldo on Twitter). It's a lot to get used to but I'm sure he's on the way.

World class athletes in all sports relish pressure and the opportunity to show their excellence when in the spotlight. Those that can handle the hoopla and produce in the midst of it become our superstars. Those that can't find the anonymity of mediocrity.

I don't believe one bit that any or all of us want him to succeed as much he wants it. He'll go nowhere if that isn't true.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

As to your last statement, how would you know how he's going to increase his proficiency? No one has a crystal ball here. Certainly, no one predicted Nadal would win 11 French Open titles, or Federer would win 20 Slam titles. If they did, I'd like to see that in writing. The issue here is this: he's a young kid with tons of talent. How that talent plays out is anyone's guess at this point. I think we'll know better in 2-3 years.

Is this in response to my post? It's hard to tell since you don't reply directly. If it is directed at my post, then I would say that the idea that his proficiency on each surface is unlikely to increase proportionally is rather reasonable and general; it's not really a prognostication in the manner you contest. If his game does improve, it will likely do so at different rates on different surfaces, much like it did for Fed, Rafa, etc.

 

[Joseph_K]

Shapo has been drawn against Jeremy Chardy in the first round at Wimbledon, with the winner of that match to play either Andy Murray or Benoit Paire.

 

[EloQuent]

Chardy is a tough one. He's been playing well on grass this year.

 

[Fedole]

Chardy is a tough one. He's been playing well on grass this year.

Yeah would say Denis is the underdog for this one, not good.

 

[EloQuent]

Yeah would say Denis is the underdog for this one, not good.

Mainly just hoping he doesn't have an embarrassing meltdown. Then back home for to regroup for the north American hardcourt stretch.

 

[stringertom]

Chardy is a tough one. He's been playing well on grass this year.

At least Chardonnay plays righthanded. The plus side to his lefty losing streak is he has a 8-match win streak vs the dexterous set. And 2R, although possibly tougher, will be a less sinister foe (Murray/Paire). He then needs to pray JMDP knocks off Deliciano.

Tough draw.

 

[prairiegirl]

Too bad for Denis. I was hoping he would get someone easy for first round at Wimbledon. Ah well, it's all a learning experience, and he has plenty of time to prepare.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Short hop from Toronto? He left for M-C in early April and had no gap between matches longer than 13 days. That's the grind of ATP Tour life and thus is his first full year out there doing it on a global scale. It's a hard lifestyle to which one must adjust.


You're vastly overrating our impact. Two years ago Shapo was a bit amused there was such a thing as TTW and that there was a thread about him as well as teenagers on the rise. As to other social media, he has a very small fraction of total followers when compared to giant sports icons (55K vs 70million for Ronaldo on Twitter). It's a lot to get used to but I'm sure he's on the way.

World class athletes in all sports relish pressure and the opportunity to show their excellence when in the spotlight. Those that can handle the hoopla and produce in the midst of it become our superstars. Those that can't find the anonymity of mediocrity.

I don't believe one bit that any or all of us want him to succeed as much he wants it. He'll go nowhere if that isn't true.

Denis knows about TTW? What did he say about it? Does he know sureshs?

 

[Smurph]

I saw most of Chardy's match vs. Djoko at Queens. he barely lost; he is a very good grass player. In fact, there is an article on Tennis.com about him and his 12 grass court wins this season. Of course, a number of wins were in a challenger in which he beat ADM in the final. but he looked good against the Joker and the Joker had to work to beat him.

good luck Denis.

 

[stringertom]

Denis knows about TTW? What did he say about it? Does he know sureshs?

He knows what stringytom chose to tell him. stringytom decided not to share Suri stories for fear of molesting a teenager's psyche.

 

[Smurph]

check out these photos and article from The Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/te...tml?login#readerCommentsCommand-message-field

he looks good...…………….

 

[EloQuent]

check out these photos and article from The Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/te...tml?login#readerCommentsCommand-message-field

he looks good...…………….

nope nope nopeity nope

the baby blue suit is horrendous. the other barely ok. and he should focus on improving his game, not on these ridiculous photo ops

 

[Alba Barragan]

nope nope nopeity nope

the baby blue suit is horrendous. the other barely ok. and he should focus on improving his game, not on these ridiculous photo ops

Agree, those pics are borderline cringy. The whole article is tbh. I mean, to compare him to Borg and Agassi at this stage of his career? Seriously??

Idk I just don't like the way media are treating Shapo. It's so incredibly obvious they're trying waaaaay too hard to make him look 'cool'. Normally it wouldn't bother me, I love the whole NextGen concept and seeing young players come up and take their place in this sport, but this seems to be too much and too fast. They're desperate to make him a big thing right away and, in their need to start covering the future star of the sport, they're overhyping him more than necessary ignoring the fact that it may not be the best for Shapo himself (judging by his recent results and attitude).

I hope he wakes up and realizes he doesn't need all these articles, photo shoots, and public commitments so early in his career to become a big star. Talent and hard work is more than enough for him. The recognition will come naturally as his results start to excel.

Edit: Please don't attack me, I'm not trying to take a dig at Shapo, but at the media/ATP and how they're treating him.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Shapo needs to focus on his tennis instead of trying to be a GQ model.

 

[TenS_Ace]

Shapo needs to focus on his tennis instead of trying to be a GQ model.

Oh geez, perhaps he's buddies with Genie Bouchard El Shapo..stay classy and model yourself after a TRUE generational ATHLETE..Connor McDavid...young and accomplished

 

[Smurph]

The comparisons to Borg and Agassi are related to his "look" and the fan interest (especially from young female fans) that he generates.

I don't think this photo shoot kept him away from the practice courts too long; It could have been done in an hour or so. They didn't even cover up his facial tan lines with makeup. A player can't be on the practice court 100% of the time. Plus, the general public needs to learn more about other players than the Big 4. Who else is going to generate more fan interest: PCB or Kevin Anderson? John Isner or Jack Sock? I don't think so.

 

[stringertom]

It's London, home of tabloid trash and he had a long layover between his early exit at Queen's and a 2R match in Eastbourne.

#NoBigDeal

 

[prairiegirl]

So what if a one newspaper does an article on him. And he's trying to be a GQ model? Okay then.

 

[Alba Barragan]

The comparisons to Borg and Agassi are related to his "look" and the fan interest (especially from young female fans) that he generates.

Denis doesn't even look like them. And the fan interest isn't remotely comparable yet. The article is stretching everything and it's hard to read (unless the reader is clearly clueless about tennis and believes every word).

I wished Shapo had waited a year or so to have an article about him by Vogue or GQ. Something like what Thiem and Zverev got, with better production and insight into who he really is. That would make him justice.

 

[gogo]

Short hop from Toronto? He left for M-C in early April and had no gap between matches longer than 13 days. That's the grind of ATP Tour life and thus is his first full year out there doing it on a global scale. It's a hard lifestyle to which one must adjust.


You're vastly overrating our impact. Two years ago Shapo was a bit amused there was such a thing as TTW and that there was a thread about him as well as teenagers on the rise. As to other social media, he has a very small fraction of total followers when compared to giant sports icons (55K vs 70million for Ronaldo on Twitter). It's a lot to get used to but I'm sure he's on the way.

World class athletes in all sports relish pressure and the opportunity to show their excellence when in the spotlight. Those that can handle the hoopla and produce in the midst of it become our superstars. Those that can't find the anonymity of mediocrity.

I don't believe one bit that any or all of us want him to succeed as much he wants it. He'll go nowhere if that isn't true.

I wasn't referring to us here on TTW. I was referring to tennis fans in general and the "industry" that is eating him up with PR and ultra-hyping him.

 

[Joseph_K]

Although it's one o'clock in the afternoon here in London, today's Shapo vs Jeremy Chardy match still hasn't been allocated a court. The match in question isn't due to start before 5pm local time (midday EST).

 

[prairiegirl]

Although it's one o'clock in the afternoon here in London, today's Shapo vs Jeremy Chardy match still hasn't been allocated a court. The match in question isn't due to start before 5pm local time (midday EST).

Amending my reply: Yes, you're right about this. Somewhat strange that he still hasn't been allocated a court, and his is the only match that says "TBD". Hmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[prairiegirl]

Great match for Denis defeating Chardy in 4 sets. You could see how much this meant to after he won. Excellent win too since many thought Denis might find Chardy too tough on grass.

 

[EloQuent]

Great match for Denis defeating Chardy in 4 sets. You could see how much this meant to after he won. Excellent win too since many thought Denis might find Chardy too tough on grass.

Yeah, good win. Paire next, another interesting one.

 

[stringertom]

Undefeated in nine matches vs righthanders. Can he make it 10 vs Paire, who was underwhelming vs an overmatched Jung?

 

[J011yroger]

Woop Woop!

J

 

[Smurph]

Undefeated in nine matches vs righthanders. Can he make it 10 vs Paire, who was underwhelming vs an overmatched Jung?

So Benoit didn't play really well? I feel Denis has much better odds against Paire than Chardy as Paire is so emotional.
Denis' serve was fantastic today. Hope he can keep it up and also not have to play on Court 16 again.

 

[stringertom]

So Benoit didn't play really well? I feel Denis has much better odds against Paire than Chardy as Paire is so emotional.
Denis' serve was fantastic today. Hope he can keep it up and also not have to play on Court 16 again.

Chardy has better grass skills too. And a reliable FH. However, the Paire serve is tres formidable. Shapo will have to hold serve and play solid TBs.

 

[Nostradamus]

http://www.espn.com/watch/player?bucketId=6200&id=3399298

I am watching Shapo LIVE in his interview after the match. he said he is very confident right now and he feels like he's been playing Great Grass court tennis last 2 weeks. he feels that he just had few bad luck against great grass court players who were hot. and Denis feels that he is HOT right now and can do well at Wimby. and he said he would rather be watching the Soccer match than be doing this interview press conference.

 

[reaper]

Interesting match up in that Shapo's lefty serve swings into Paire's strength on the backhand side.

 

[Nostradamus]

Interesting match up in that Shapo's lefty serve swings into Paire's strength on the backhand side.

Nothing interesting about it. Paire is injured in his left leg and it's been mummified. this will be blowout win for Denis.

 

[Smurph]

I am going to try and watch a replay of Benoit's match tonight on ESPN+. Hope it works. I will check out Benoit's movement.

I have to confess that I also want to see Jack Sock's meltdown!

 

[Sparlingo]

All right, all right you people . Yes I will put on my lucky red hat so long as Shapo is alive at Wimbledon, for luck!

 

[Max G.]

Watched the Shapovalov-Chardy match. It was a lot of fun, great hitting from both guys.

Pretty familiar Shapovalov match, I think. Shapo was pretty in control, generating lots of opportunities against Chardy and having periods where he was just blowing him off the court. On the flip side, he sometimes had patches where he would throw in a few bad serves/forehands in a game (like the time he got broken off 2 double faults and an easy missed forehand), and of course sometimes would be inconsistent on return.

If he plays against Paire the way he played against Chardy, he should win, IMO. But, well, we all know he's not that consistent, we'll see whether he can keep this game up.

 

[Bender]

El Shapo..stay classy and model yourself after a TRUE generational ATHLETE..Connor McDavid...young and accomplished

Or, if that doesn't work out, he should model himself after true generational comedians like Larry David, or Bernard Tomic.

 

[Joseph_K]

Looks like Shapo will have a longish wait to play his second-round match at Wimbledon tomorrow as his encounter with Benoit Paire has been scheduled fourth on Court no. 3. One of the matches preceding it is the unfinished clash between Stan Wawrinka and Thomas Fabbiano.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

Looks like Shapo will have a longish wait to play his second-round match at Wimbledon tomorrow as his encounter with Benoit Paire has been scheduled fourth on Court no. 3. One of the matches preceding it is the unfinished clash between Stan Wawrinka and Thomas Fabbiano.

That one could go on for a while.

Or be over very quickly.

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

 

[Smurph]

I don't think Paire's leg injury will be a factor at all. He played a doubles match Wed (and lost). He has a very large brace on his leg. It looks like it would hinder his movement, but I guess it doesn't.

Go Denis!

 

[prairiegirl]

What we see and what he's experiencing are two different things. I don't wish an injury on anyone but maybe he's more affected than we know? In any case, I wish they would put Denis on earlier. Why make him wait so long?

 

[mule250]

What we see and what he's experiencing are two different things. I don't wish an injury on anyone but maybe he's more affected than we know? In any case, I wish they would put Denis on earlier. Why make him wait so long?

There are other players in the draw, you know
Should be a cracker of a match!