Surprising favorite moment of Denis Shapovalov against Roger Federer | ATP Tour

#NextGenATP The Canadian Denis Shapovalov was not afraid to say that competing against Roger Federer was a dream come true before his clash with the Swiss superstar at the Miami Open presented by the Itau semifinals.

The best part of these dreams is usually to see your hero above the net, to reach an amazing shot or even to find a way to triumph.

With a sheepish smile on his face, the teenager made his astonishing choice: "warming up".

That's because Federer sent the southpaw in two sets after just 73 minutes. The 37-year-old broke his second and third game of the game to set the tone and he never let the Canadian have the opportunity to retaliate. Shapovalov still amused himself, however.

"It's always hard to lose, but it's really nice to be with his idol on the ground," said Shapovalov. "I gave everything. He played a good game today. That's all. That's all you can really say. "

Shapovalov has already practiced with Federer. But coaching and participating in a semifinal of the ATP Masters 1000 are two totally different proposals.

"It's a bit surreal, being on the ground against him. Obviously, I did not try to focus on Roger being on the other side, "Shapovalov said. "I was just trying to play as well as I could and he did a good job today. He played an excellent game. I could not stay at his level. So, I'm just going to try to learn from that and go ahead. "

The semifinalist of the Masters 1000, three times, has been successful throughout the tournament to impose his offensive athletic game, showing no fear of breaking loose and sneaking to the goal. But he showed his nerves from the beginning with a number of mistakes, and that was not what he had in mind strategically.

"Try to hit four aces per game and hope he doubles [faults]Shapovalov said jokingly. "There are two or three things I was trying to do over there with whom I talked [about] with my group. But honestly, I was just trying to play my game and be myself in the field.

"Honestly, I do not think I have been able to play 100% of my level today, but that is why it is so good. He did not let me into my rhythm and into my game … It shows how well he is experienced and how good he is. "

While it was clear that Federer was in control throughout the match, Shapovalov did not put too much on top. In the second set, he managed a shot straight ahead for the winner under the applause of the crowd. The Canadian then waved his arms to ensure that people were even more encouraged.

"I was just trying to get into the game. Obviously I started a little tight. He started hard enough at first. So, in the second set, I tried to turn around. I had some chances. He was not able to convert, "Shapovalov said. "I did what I could. And with that moment, it was just a fun time. I hit a ridiculous volley. I think even he said, "Not at all" or something like that. I've just tried to involve the crowd. Just a little fun. "

Federer is in his record of 50th Masters 1000 final. The Swiss may not have done his best (only 49% of his first services), but he got a neat performance, winning all but two points ( 20/22) to lead to victory.

"I just think that he has every shot mastered. When he will need a shot, he will get there, "Shapovalov said. "He'll go, he'll get there. I do not think he has any weaknesses. That's why he is the goat [greatest of all-time]. "

Shapovalov may leave Miami, disappointed, as he has just won his first ATP trophy. But on Monday, he will be in the top 20 of the ATP rankings and hopes to continue his momentum until the clay season.

"I think it's a good part of the season for me. I think I have proven myself on the earth. I see that I can play on it and beat good players on it. So, I'm really looking forward to it, "Shapovalov said. "Obviously, the change of pace is a little different. I'm going to have to play a little differently these two weeks. Yes, I am looking forward to it. I had a good success last year. It's going to be a good opportunity for me.