'He’s the number one for a reason': Denis Shapovalov proud despite painful US Open exit

Denis Shapovalov was philosophical after pushing Jannik Sinner in a bruising four-set battle at the US Open, eventually bowing out 7-5, 4-6, 3-6, 3-6. Despite the defeat, the Canadian spoke with a mixture of regret and optimism, highlighting his progress after a long recovery from injury and underlining his determination to rediscover consistency at the sport’s highest level.

Shapovalov admitted he had “chances” in the match, particularly after going a set all and surging to a 3-0 lead in the third. But Sinner, currently the world No. 1 and defending champion, clawed back with relentless resilience. For Shapovalov, the frustration of surrendering momentum was softened by the knowledge that he had once again shown his capacity to compete with the very best on one of tennis’s grandest stages.

The 26-year-old Canadian emphasized that his resurgence is rooted not only in his physical recovery but also in a newfound mental strength. Shapovalov credited his maturity and ability to handle in-match adversity as a key reason behind his improved performances, pointing to three ATP titles in the past 12 months as proof. “Mentally, I stayed pretty good throughout the match,” he reflected, noting that the gap between him and the elite is narrowing.

Still, Shapovalov was candid about the need to be “more solid” in crucial moments. His variety and aggression unsettled Sinner at times, but sustaining that intensity over four or five sets remains the challenge. The Canadian left New York both encouraged and slightly exasperated — happy with the strides he has made, but clear-eyed about the improvements still required if he is to turn near misses into breakthrough victories.

Sinner the favorite, but not untouchable

Asked how he managed to trouble Sinner when so few others have, Shapovalov explained that his aggressive, unpredictable game plan helped disrupt the Italian’s rhythm. He mixed his tactics with variety, forcing Sinner to adapt point by point. Yet he also acknowledged Sinner’s ability to absorb the pressure and then counterattack when it mattered most. "He dealt with it really well, fought extremely well, and did a tremendous job turning it around from 0–3 down in the third. I need to learn from my mistakes today, try to stay even more solid, and hopefully with matches like this I’ll do better going forward," Shapovalov said, praising the composure of his opponent.

With no man defending the US Open title since 2008, the question of Sinner’s repeat chances naturally arose. Shapovalov was cautious, tipping Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as co-favorites but reminding everyone that the draw is stacked with contenders. “I was able to put pressure on Jannik today, so who says another player can’t do the same?” he noted, offering both respect for Sinner and belief in the depth of men’s tennis.

A mental reset

Shapovalov’s break last year with a knee injury gave him an unexpected chance to reset. Beyond the physical rehabilitation, it allowed time for reflection. He realized he wanted more than sporadic flashes of brilliance; he wanted consistency, titles, and a seat at the top table. That period away from the grind of the tour sparked fresh motivation. “It wasn’t just physical, but also mental,” he said, noting the importance of balance in his approach.

In the end, Shapovalov leaves Flushing Meadows with what could be described as “positive frustration.” He’s upset about losing, but heartened by the manner of his performance and the signs of progress. For a player once tipped as a future star, this balance of maturity and ambition could be pivotal. The tools are there — variety, flair, power — but it’s his evolving mentality that might finally help him make the leap into tennis’s inner circle.