Shapovalov rues letting Djokovic off hook

LONDON: Denis Shapovalov left Centre Court at Wimbledon to a standing ovation but in tears due to what he felt was a missed opportunity to beat world number one Novak Djokovic and reach the men’s final.

The 22-year-old Canadian, who admitted to being mentally exhausted owing largely to having to live in a bubble due to Covid-19 restrictions, had good reason to rue his missed chances on Friday.

Djokovic saved 10 of 11 break points to go through to defend his title after running out a 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-5 winner.

Shapovalov had become an ‘adopted Briton’ due to his engaging personality and expressive behaviour on court.

Children at a London school had recorded a song in his honour a revised version of MC Hammer’s ‘U Can’t Touch This’ as their teacher Adam Kohlbeck knows Shapovalov from his days as a tennis coach.

Shapovalov, though, could not hold back the emotion at the end of his first ever Grand Slam semi-final.

“I think what hurt so much this time was just that I felt like the game is there and it’s possible to go and play for the trophy,” said Shapovalov.

“It’s a feeling I’ve never had before, so that’s why it just hurt so much.

“I felt like I was outplaying Novak in parts of the match. If you’re outplaying Novak, you can beat anyone. It just hurt a lot.”