Former world No 10 Denis Shapovalov is so keen to enter the ASB Classic he’s willing to play in the qualifying tournament, but still faces the possibility of missing out.
The 24-year-old Canadian, who was a semifinalist at Wimbledon two years ago, has been out injured since reaching the round of 16 at this year’s Wimbledon and his ranking has dropped to 109.
He is desperate to get in some matches before the Australian Open, which is why he’s taken the unusual step for a player of his standing to enter the qualifying draw, but Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin says there will need to be some withdrawals from either the main draw or qualifying for him to make it in.
“Denis has entered qualifying, he’s not on the list yet, he’s six out,” Lamperin confirmed.
“We have committed to help Alex Michelsen first, because he’s two outside of qualifying. So if he gets in, we’ll help Denis.”
The 19-year-old Michelsen, ranked 97 in the world, is regarded as the hottest young prospect in American men’s tennis and recently played in the Next Generation ATP Finals.
Shapovalov could potentially get a main draw wildcard, which would be his preference, but that’s not straightforward.
There are three main draw wildcards for the men’s Classic. One has been given to Gael Monfils, another is being held for Richard Gasquet as defending champion and the third will go to the winner of the New Zealand wildcard playoff tournament.
Two spots in the main draw are reserved under the special exempt rule, which is for players who have entered qualifying in Auckland, but are still playing in another tournament by the time qualifying starts.
It’s unlikely these will be taken up, which will mean Emil Ruusuvuori and Borna Gojo move into the main draw and Gael Monfils becomes two out from also making it in by his own ranking, which is 74. So if two players pull out Monfils won’t need his wildcard and Lamperin can give it to Shapovalov.
Lamperin is hopeful he’ll be able to give Shapovalov a wildcard to either the main draw or qualifying for the Classic.
