Canadian tennis stars Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime have both been making headlines over the past week.
Auger-Aliassime took home the bronze medal at the Olympics alongside WTA doubles star and world number three Gabriela Dabrowski.
The Canadian duo brushed off their semi-final setback to cruise to a straight-sets victory in their third-place playoff.
Despite not being able to replicate this feat in his singles bronze medal match against Lorenzo Musetti, Auger-Aliassime’s imposing run to a fourth-placed finish was a source of pride for his good friend and compatriot, Shapovalov.
Denis Shapovalov sends heartfelt message to Felix Auger-Aliassime
After Shapovalov was caught up in controversy in Washington, he was delighted when finally asked about Auger-Aliassime’s dazzling performances in Paris.
After seven straight defeats against the Russian, the 23-year-old registered his maiden win over world number five Daniil Medvedev before ousting two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals.
After his straight-sets loss to Brandon Nakashima at the Canadian Open on Wednesday, Shapovalov said: “It’s unbelievable, it’s insane. I’m super proud of him [Auger-Aliassime] and Gabi, of course.
“Growing up with Felix I remember him from six years old, to come all this way. I don’t think we even imagined playing the Olympics and getting medals.
“Unfortunately he was so close in singles as well, and I really feel he deserved it with the wins that he had, but for him to get that bronze medal it’s amazing for Canada, for him and for everyone.
“I feel super proud as a Canadian and I am sure everybody does as well. It was also fun to watch him celebrating it on centre court, I could see the happiness in his eyes, so it was definitely a warm feeling for everyone.”
Disaster for home hopes at the Canadian Open
After a strong appearance from Shapovalov in Washington and a stellar week in the French capital for Auger-Aliassime, the Canadians were coming into their home ATP Masters event in red-hot form.
But this week’s Montreal Open has taken a sour turn for the home favorites.
Both Shapovalov, who was returning to the site of his immense triumph over Rafael Nadal in 2017, and Auger-Aliassime, suffered gut-wrenching first-round defeats on Wednesday.
To add to the distaste, 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew ahead of his first-round clash against Holger Rune.
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