“I remember Felix Auger-Aliassime from 6 years old... don’t think we imagined getting medals” - Denis Shapovalov on friend's Paris Olympic bronze 

Denis Shapovalov congratulated his friend Felix Auger-Aliassime on his bronze medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Aliassime, along with Gabriel Dabrowski, clinched bronze in mixed doubles for Team Canada when they defeated the Dutch duo of Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof 6-3, 7-6(2).

Shapovalov, who kicked off his North American hardcourt swing at the National Bank Open, had a disappointing start and faced a 6-4, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Brandon Nakashima in the opening round.

While talking to the media after his defeat, Shapovalov was asked how he felt about Aliassime's triumph, to which the Canadian excitedly thanked the interviewer for asking him the question and said that what his friend had achieved was 'insane' and he was super proud of his friend as well as Dabrowski.

He also mentioned having known Aliassime since he was six and said how they never imagined playing in the Olympics and winning a medal.

"It's unbelievable. Thank you for asking that, yeah (laughing). It's insane. Super proud of him. Super proud of him and Gaby, of course."

"Growing up with Felix, I remember him from 6 years old. To come all this way, I don't think we even imagined playing the Olympics and getting medals, so for him to achieve something like this..."

Denis Shapovalov also expressed his disappointment at his friend missing out on a second medal after coming close. Aliassime was defeated by Lorenzo Musseti 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in a two-hour and 11-minute match.

"And, unfortunately, he was so close in singles as well, and I really feel he deserved it with the wins that he had, but for him to get that bronze medal, it's amazing for Canada, for him, and for everyone."

"I could the happiness in Felix Auger-Aliassime's eyes" - Denis Shapovalov on having a 'warm' feeling watching his friend celebrate his triumph

Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime (Image source: GETTY)

Continuing his thoughts, Denis Shapovalov said he was proud of what his friend Felix Auger-Aliassime had achieved and had fun watching him enjoy his triumph at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Shapovalov could see the happiness in his friend's eyes which gave him a warm feeling.

"I feel super proud as a Canadian, and I'm sure everybody does as well. Yeah, it was also fun to watch him yesterday celebrating it on center court. I could see the happiness in his eyes. It's definitely a warm feeling I think for everyone, yeah. Thanks."

After a disappointing campaign at the National Bank Open, Denis Shapovalov is an alternate at the Cincinnati Masters qualifiers. On the other hand, Fleix Auger-Aliassime also had a poor start to his swing as he was ousted by Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round. He is slated to play at the Cincinnati Masters next.