Denis Shapovalov may have been on the receiving end of unwanted history last week – but he has wasted no time in mocking his rival.
The 26-year-old was forced to retire injured during his battle against teenager Diego Dedura-Palomero in the first round of the BMW Open last week in Munich.
It led to the 17-year-old becoming the first player born in 2008 or later to win an ATP Tour match.
He proceeded to celebrate in wild fashion in front of his home supporters – roaring in delight before throwing his headband onto the clay surface.
The German, who marked out a cross on the floor, then laid flat on his back with his arms and legs outstretched, leading some fans to brandish his jubilation as ‘cringe-worthy’.
Dedura-Palomero eventually crashed out in the next round to Zizou Bergs – losing 6-1 in both sets.
Despite the youngster’s exuberant celebration, Shapovalov has clearly seen the funny side, as shown by his response at the Madrid Open.
It’s often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, and that’s exactly what the Canadian has done.
As he practised in an open court, he could be seen mimicking his rival by doing exactly what Dedura-Palomero did in his face.
Through laughter, the former world no.10 mocked Dedura-Palomero in the court next to where he was playing.
It ultimately turned out to be a frustrating tournament as the Berlin native crashed out in three sets to Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan in qualifying.
As for Shapovalov, he received a bye to the first round of the main draw due to being a seeded player.
And he will be hoping for a return to winning ways, especially after mocking Dedura-Palomero, who is nine years his junior.
His imitation quickly went viral on social media, which divided fans as many argued it’s good for the game of tennis, while other considered it as disrespectful.
One X user commented: “We need more of this indeed.”
Another posted: “Showing character. This is the kind of player I respect.”
A third added: “He is better at imitating than playing tennis.”
This fan then stated: “Proper loser this guy. 26-year-old man mocking a kid ten years his junior.”
