Shapovalov: "Many players can beat anyone, except for Sinner and Alcaraz"
The Canadian, currently 43rd in the world, believes that his level is well above that ranking and sees himself with a chance to do something significant in Montreal.
Denis Shapovalov seems lost for the cause every year, but he usually reacts during this part of the season, with some weeks that show the enormous potential he still possesses. His final in Los Cabos seems to have returned his confidence, judging by the bold words spoken at the press conference of the ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026.
Injuries, lack of progression in his tennis, difficulties in leaving his comfort zone... There have been many ingredients in the explosive recipe that turns the Canadian, a unique talent, into a player lacking real prominence for a long time. Despite this, Denis Shapovalov still holds himself in very high regard and is confident in making a statement in Canada.
Shapovalov analyzes his form and real goals
Confidence after his final in Los Cabos
The Canadian reflected positively on the week spent in Los Cabos, where it was only the accumulation of effort that prevented him from competing for the title until the end.
“It was a great week. I ran out of energy at the end, but I played many great matches after coming back from an injury. It’s never easy, and I couldn’t ask much more from myself. It’s tough. When you go far in a tournament, you know you’re probably going to compromise your preparation for the next one. It’s part of life on the tour.”
“I hope to be able to train a bit today if it stops raining. If not, I will have to go directly to compete, try to find sensations in the match, and look for a way to win the first match to have a bit more time afterward.”
Shapovalov blames injuries for his drift
“I have had many physical problems this year. Since Miami, it has been a very complicated season for my body. The most important thing was to feel good on the court last week, without too much pain. The goal was to play as many matches as possible, recover my tennis, and start competing again. I achieved all of that.”
“Obviously, results matter, but how I feel on the court and how I feel the ball also matter. I knew that the tennis was still there. I have the level. Now it’s about getting physically to one hundred percent and making everything fall into place.”
Denis Shapovalov believes he can beat anyone... or almost
“The ranking is not my priority at the moment. What matters is to be healthy, play good tennis, and find my best level again. My ranking shouldn’t be what it is right now. I can beat great players.”
“Nowadays, anyone can beat anyone, except maybe Sinner and Alcaraz. The rest of the players are very competitive with each other, so I don’t think too much about the seeds or the ranking.”
A career he is proud of and a tennis very different from 2017
“Every time I come back to Montreal, I feel something special. Here I experienced my first big moment on the tour, and playing in front of the Canadian crowd means a lot to me. I am a completely different player. Tennis has changed a lot. Ten years ago, everything was much faster, and the first two shots decided many points.”
“Now you have to be much more versatile. You need to know how to defend, vary heights, use drop shots, and build points. I am a much better returner than back then, and I understand the game much better,” the Canadian stated.
It remains to be seen if this good mental disposition of Denis Shapovalov translates into good results. What is clear is that the Canadian has everything in terms of shots and natural talent, but he has lacked equally or more important things in recent times. This ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026 could be a turning point for him.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shapovalov: "Muchos jugadores podemos ganar a cualquiera, salvo a Sinner y Alcaraz"