If you were wondering why Denis Shapovalov didn’t post photos on Twitter of his recent practice with his idol Roger Federer, it’s because he doesn’t have a Twitter account anymore.
But not on purpose.
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The young Canadian was asked about his recently deleted account after his Australian Open first round win against Pablo Andujar.
Shapovalov, while trying to have his account verified, ran into issues with Twitter who ended up deleting his account.
“There's some issues with my birth date and stuff. I'm actually just trying to figure that out right now. They don't want to let me back in. Please, Twitter, let me back in (laughter).”
Twitter, during verification, deemed Shapovalov to have been too young to create his account and thus asked his parents to provide more information. The verification is still up in the air at the moment.
“They said apparently when I created my account, I was too young or something like this, so I need a verification with the parent. Something crazy like this. Yeah, just honestly I'm confused as much as you guys are on what's going on. They just kind of kicked me out, said, yeah, I need to send a letter or something. I'm trying to fix that.”
Shapovalov practiced with Federer on Rod Laver Arena before the start of the Australian Open. When asked how it went, Shapovalov simply replied, “He destroyed me.”
Yet, it was a memorable experience for the Canadian to practice with the reigning Australian Open champion.
“It was fun. Honestly, every time I'm hitting with Roger, I was like in shock still. Every time I'm talking to him, I've spent so many times chatting, he always stops and talks to me. He's honestly my hero. Every time I see him, I'm still shocked, couldn't believe it. I was practicing with him. It was honestly kind of a proud moment for me. I was like, Wow, my level is there to hit with a guy like Roger Federer and practice with him, you know?”
The 19-year-old Shapovalov also admires Federer’s longevity in the game.
“I think it's crazy to see how in shape he is, how good he is at his age. It's honestly something nobody can imagine to do. I can't imagine myself playing tennis at 37, you know? It's shocking. But it's so great to see. Honestly, he's such a great ambassador for the sport. I don't think there's anybody better than him.”
Perhaps Federer, with his 12.4 million Twitter followers, can put in a good word to help Shapovalov get his own account back up and running.
Shapovalov next faces Japan’s Taro Daniel.