US OPEN

September 3, 2021

Denis Shapovalov

Press Conference

D. SHAPOVALOV/R. Carballes Baena

7-6, 6-3, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Give us your thoughts on the match and your level of play.

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: Yeah, I mean, for sure it was a really tough match. Obviously went down to him in Roland Garros. I knew it was going to be extremely difficult. I was ready for that. Of course, there's a little bit of nerves in the first set.

But getting through that set really gave me a lot of confidence, and I'm super happy to have won that. I definitely was very close to losing it.

After that, it just kind of freed me up and I was able to elevate my game throughout the match. Of course, I'm super happy. Super happy to get away with it in straight sets today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. (No microphone.)

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: Yeah, no, I mean, I for sure feel more comfortable. I think in general New York is a city I've always felt loved in. I always feel great every year I come back here.

Of course, with making quarterfinals here last year, and the semifinals run at Wimbledon, I kind of know how to prepare myself a little bit more, am more comfortable leading into these big tournaments.

I actually really enjoy getting into the bubble, in my own bubble, so to say, and just taking it day by day, match by match, getting into that routine. I find it so much fun. I'm starting to really look forward to all these big events.

Q. (No microphone.)

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: I think it's a lot of fun. Of course, I'm still trying to be safe so I haven't gone out. I've had a couple dinners just meeting a couple friends. Normally, I mean, New York is such a crazy city and you want to be out. But, of course, we want to be careful.

It's difficult in that sense. But I think once the tournament starts anyways, it doesn't really matter what city, you're just kind of zoned in, going through your own routines.

I think what's great here is at least we have some freedom. I have like a breakfast place I like to go to, kind of still enjoy that normal life and freedom. You can just leave the hotel to go for a walk.

Of course, New York is such an electric city, it's more of my vibe. I'm definitely more outgoing and I like to have energy. For sure it does fit my personality and I love coming here.

Q. There's been a strong contingent of Canadian supporters in the crowd. What does it mean to have Canadians traveling all over the world to come and support you?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: I mean, I definitely think I've got a big support group here in New York. Every year that I've come here, I knew at least I can rely on them to pump me up. I'm very lucky to have that.

But I do think being Canadian, you're pretty lucky because, honestly, it feels like every person, or a person's friend, has family in Canada. Wherever in the world you do go, they have some connection to Canada. You do get a couple more fans, for sure.

In terms of everyone doing so well, it's honestly great to see so many Canadians going forward. Again, it's showing just again how this is also a tennis country and a summer sport country.

For sure it's super great to see all the Canadians getting through. Not all the Canadians, but most of the Canadians getting through to the third round. Hopefully we can keep it up for as long as possible. I think it's super great for the country.

Q. You had fallen to him last year in Paris. How much have you grown as a player since that defeat?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: I mean, it was definitely a tough matchup. Having played him at Roland Garros, I knew it was going to be a long match. I knew it was going to be very difficult. That's why I said I feel super happy with myself to get away with it in straight sets. It could have been a very, very long match.

At the same time I came into the match confidently knowing I've improved so much since last year and I feel like a completely different player in terms of my game and in terms ever mentally, what I've been through the last year or so.

Definitely was more confident on the court. Especially when I felt a little bit of nerves and tense here and there, I knew it was going to be a long match. I knew I would have a lot of moments to kind of get rid of it. I just kept fighting.

Like I said, it was a little bit more experience. I was a little bit calmer. I'm just very happy with the way I was able to fight today.

Q. You're facing Lloyd Harris next. Your thoughts on that?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: Definitely super interesting matchup. He's definitely a player that's improved so much over the last couple years. Actually is a friend of mine. He's such a nice guy. He gets along with I think almost everyone on tour.

It's great to see him doing so well. Of course, I had a super tough match against him in Dubai, one that I was leading, kind of slipped away from me. It shows you that he's able to play at a really high level. Shows me more.

I know it's going to be another one of those matches that could definitely go very long and it's going to be very difficult.

I'm fully prepared for it. It's going to be great to have a day to kind of just like recoup and go over a couple things I didn't feel great with tonight, just kind of get ready for that matchup. It's obviously going to be two players that like to go for it and hit big. I think there's going to be a lot of big shot-making from both of us.