ROLAND GARROS

May 26, 2025

Denis Shapovalov

Press Conference

D. SHAPOVALOV/P. Martinez

6-2, 6-3, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Perfect day at the office?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: Yeah, definitely was a great match. Started really well. Was able to just play freely today. Definitely not a lot of matches I think ever to play this freely and this confidently. Especially on clay, it's a big, big win for me, for sure.

Q. Did you have a good feeling coming out? Did this absolute performance come out of almost nowhere?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: No, I've been training really well, despite being sick. I actually think in a way the rest gave me a little bit of refreshness because I was not practicing four or five days, then came, yeah, pretty fresh, playing some good tennis in the practices.

Of course, you never know how you're going to come out, especially in first-round matches. He's a tough opponent. So definitely wasn't expecting this.

For sure, very, very happy with the performance. I mean, everything was working today.

Q. Is this kind of match maybe able to reconcile you with the clay?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: What, sorry?

Q. Able to make you like the clay again, knowing that you play that well? I love the clay?

DENIS SHAPOVALOV: I love clay. I love clay (smiling).

No, look, there's a few remote places where I do enjoy playing during this part of the season. This is definitely one of the tournaments where I enjoy it.

For sure, I mean, like I said, these balls are better. I'm able to hit through the court. Today I felt like I don't have to overpower like crazy and force too much.

I do feel like the ball plays a big difference right now and the conditions. I would say Madrid, being an exception, because it's altitude. You're still able to hit through.

I'm sorry, Rome was a disaster when it came to that. I was having to hit eight, nine, 10 winners. The rally was still going. They need to fix the balls or find another company, in my opinion.