WATCH: Denis Shapovalov’s incredible sportsmanship during Benoit Paire clash
Not that his tennis skills haven’t proved this, but if Denis Shapovalov display of sportsmanship is anything to go by, he sure is matured beyond his age.
The 20-year-old Canadian was playing against Frenchman Benoit Paire in the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 event in Lyon, when he won many a heart with his gesture.
One hour and 11 minutes into the contest, Shapovalov slipped while returning a serve from Paire. Even as he managed to return it before taking a tumble, the latter returned it long.
“Did I distract you?” Shapovalov asked after getting up.
“No, no, no,” Paire responded.
“You sure, man? We can replay the point.”
“No, no. Don’t worry.”
No wonder, the crowd gave a round of applause.
The battle went down to the wire, with local hope Paire eking out a 6-3 4-6 7-6 win. He is next scheduled to face American Taylor Fritz for a place in the final.
As for Shapovalov, he will now fly down to Paris for the prestigious French Open that gets under way next week. He will face Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the first round.
