Next Gen ATP stars Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe are developing quite a rivalry on the court. But off the court it’s a much different story. There is a great deal of support between the two players, as they’ve developed a great relationship over the years.

That’s what made Shapovalov’s 6-7(5) 6-4 6-2 victory over the American a bit bittersweet when it was all said and done on Thursday in Miami.



“I think we're definitely pretty close,” Shapovalov said of Tiafoe. “It kind of developed throughout the years on tour. Honestly, in juniors, we kind of knew of each other, but he was really good at a young age and I was just starting up. Obviously I saw him around, but we didn't hang around too much.

“Then once we started playing pros, we played Laver Cup together, all this, and we just started getting closer and closer, and obviously we have practiced together a bunch of times. We've played each other a bunch of times. It feels like every time we play we kind of bring out the best in each other. It's always an honor to be on the court with him.”

Shapo and Foe have a really good friendship/respect going.

Shapo says part of him feels bad about Tiafoe losing: "I know he deserves it as much as I do. He works so hard. He's such a great person."

— Chris Oddo (@TheFanChild) March 29, 2019

Respect between two young stars 🤝@FTiafoe @denis_shapo #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/LRJGoyhB8k

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 29, 2019