It was not an ideal performance at Roland-Garros on Tuesday for Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, who fell to 19-year-old Holger Rune on Court No.12, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(4). It hasn’t been an ideal season, either.
The Canadian paired up with coach Jamie Delgado after splitting with longtime coach Mikhail Youzhny. But the pair split up at the end of their trial, which lasted until the end of Miami.
According to the Canadian, Delgado is an excellent coach, but not a good fit for him.
“I just felt something missing with Jamie,” he told reporters on Tuesday in Paris. “It wasn't anything in particular. I mean, he's an amazing guy, we got along really well, and I think he's an amazing coach. But I just didn't think it just suited with me or my game.”
Shapovalov has since hooked up with Canadian Peter Polansky, and is enjoying it thus far.
“The last couple weeks with Petey have been really, really good, you know, in practice, getting along, everything,” Shapovalov said. “So I have full belief that Petey can help me a lot. So that was basically the decision.”
Whatever chemistry they may have, it didn’t help Shapovalov on Sunday. He told reporters he really didn’t “show up” against Rune.
The Canadian drops to 2-4 lifetime at Roland-Garros.
“I didn't really show up today, so it's a little bit difficult,” Shapovalov said. “Of course, Holger is playing some great tennis, won his first title, semis last week, I believe, pushing some top guys. So yeah, for sure not taking anything away from him, obviously he's playing great tennis.
“But I think against most players today I wouldn't come out the winner. So, yeah, a little bit frustrating on my side and just feel like I need to improve some things. Be sure that I'm ready for the slams. And, yeah, that's it.”