Denis Shapovalov has been flying up the tennis ladder over the past year. At the French Open this fortnight, the Canadian is looking to make good on a recent GQ profile calling him "the thrilling, gutsy teen of tennis."

It's a tough title to live up to, but as the new Canadian world No. 1, Shapovalov may be able to do it. The 19-year-old's career made a turn for the top after his dramatic win over Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Rogers Cup.

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The world No. 26 recalls the moment after match point. “I blacked out after that. The stadium was so loud. My ears almost popped," he said. "It was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard in any sport event ever.”

Nadal recently evened up his record with Shapovalov by defeating him in Rome. The two are in the same section of the draw in Paris.

Shapovalov will take on John Millman in his first round on Tuesday.

Shapovalov labeled
"thrilling, gutsy
teen of tennis"

Shapovalov labeled "thrilling, gutsy teen of tennis"

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