Shapovalov, on Sinner: "Today I put pressure on him, who knows if another player will be able to do the same"

Carlos Navarro | 30 Aug 2025 | 23.52

Denis Shapovalov pushed Sinner to the limit in today's match. Source: Getty

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Denis Shapovalov felt again this afternoon, in front of a crowded Arthur Ashe, that he can trouble any star on the circuit. It's a sensation he hadn't experienced in a while, but his great performance in the third round of the US Open 2025 against Jannik Sinner justifies it. The Canadian took a set off the world number one and even led 3-0 and had a break point in the third set... until the San Candido native tightened his game and extinguished any hint of rebellion. A defeat, yes, but somewhat sweet feelings for Shapo, who reflects in a press conference on the level displayed, his mental maturity post his last injury break, and the reason why he put up such a fight against the Italian.

- Sensations after a defeat that, yes, gives him confidence for the coming months

"It is clear that it is a tough defeat. He is the world number one for a reason, that’s the first thing. I had my chance, I was leading in the third set, but he played great to turn it around. It is certainly a good step forward. Returning to play at this level since my injury has been quite a journey, a long road. This is the goal, to have this level more consistently. I know I am capable of playing this type of tennis, at this level. In a way, I am happy. Also sad, of course, because I lost, but it is a step in the right direction. Now I will try to play at this level more consistently."

- His reactions to the bench after squandering the lead in the third set and the mental battle he sometimes has with himself: is it something he wants or needs to change?

"Honestly, I wouldn't say I got too angry today. Maybe I started to doubt my serve a bit more, at that moment I felt the good sensations in that stroke were slipping away. I just tried to find a way to get back to my level from the first and second set. Mentally, I think I held up very well throughout the match. I would say that this season I have grown a lot mentally. It's a significant reason why I can play at this level, a big reason why I have been able to win three titles in the last twelve months.

I am able to maintain a certain level throughout the tournament, both on good and bad days. I am able to find a way to produce that level, unfortunately today it didn’t happen throughout the match, but it did for a good part. As I said before, I just want to try to play like this and have this level as my foundation, consistent building blocks".

- What does he think he did well to compete so evenly with Sinner, something only names like Alcaraz have achieved in Grand Slams?

"I wouldn’t say I did things better than him. We played power to power, evenly matched. It was a very tight match, with many closely contested games. I have shown before, and it's great to be able to do it again, that I have a very powerful game. I don't want to say I am a threat to the rest, but when I play well, it's not easy to face me. Today I played with a lot of variety, using different things that worked very well. I tried to make it as difficult as possible while executing my tennis and being very aggressive.

However, yes, he is the number one for a reason. He handled all that perfectly. He is a fighter, and he made a tremendous effort to turn it around being 3-0 down in the third set. I must learn from my mistakes today, be even more solid. I hope that with these matches, I can improve in the future".

- Does he consider Sinner the favorite for the remainder of the US Open 2025?

"It's tough, honestly. There are many great players in the draw, although definitely he and Carlos are the two top favorites. They have almost swept all the finals in the past few months. There is a good chance one of them will win, but there are also other great tennis players. Today I was able to put pressure on Sinner, so who knows if another player can do the same".

- His mental growth in recent months, explained perfectly

"I am getting older, becoming more mature, trying to do things the right way. I try to understand what helps me, what does not bring me any benefit. Sometimes I need to ramp it up a bit, sometimes I need not to stress too much about the situations and moments in the match and play point by point. I am learning. When I took a break due to my knee injury, it was not just a physical break, but also a mental break.

There are many things that, as a tennis player, you must handle over the years. It was fantastic to have that break to reflect on everything that has happened to me, but also on what I want to achieve in this sport and how to get there. One of the main things for me was to win more titles and become more consistent at an elite level. I am happy with the work I have done to try to reach that point. I have had very positive matches here, the draw was not easy, so I am happy. Today, upset and sad about the defeat, but happy with how I fell and with my effort".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shapovalov, sobre Sinner: "Hoy le puse en presión, quién sabe si otro jugador podrá hacer lo mismo"