Tennis: Rising star Denis Shapovalov set to storm ASB Classic

Tennis player Denis Shapovalov takes part in basketball training at Spark Arena. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The hottest prospect in men's tennis is about to hit Auckland.

Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov's star has risen massively over the past year, cracking the top 50 in the world at the age of 18, and his next chance to shine will be at the ASB Classic.

The always-entertaining leftie had a breakout 2017, beating Juan Martin Del Potro and Rafael Nadal in back-to-back matches at the Canadian Open; in the process becoming the youngest player to make an ATP Masters semifinal.

What followed was just as impressive, with Shapovalov making it to the fourth round of the US Open, despite having to progress through qualifying.

A victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga continued to build his reputation as a rising talent who can match it with the best, and he'll have a chance to do just that in Auckland.

Shapovalov will play Brazilian qualifier Rogerio Dutra da Silva in his first round tonight, and a victory there would seal an enticing rematch with Del Potro.

That battle would be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, and Shapovalov is confident he can live up to it.

"I've worked hard in the offseason and I feel like my game's there so I'm ready. I'm confident in myself and I'm sure I'm going to play great," Shapovalov said.

The teenager was voted as the ATP's Most Improved Player of 2017 by his peers, a recognition he says was pleasing but also acts as a reminder to manage increased expectations.

"It's a great award - especially as it was voted by my peers - it shows these guys have seen my hard work - it was really motivating for me.

"There's a couple of eyes on me now but I'm just sticking with my team, focusing on ourselves, and making sure I stay on top of things."

Tonight, it will be more than a couple of eyes on Shapovalov, with one of tennis' next set of stars about to take centre stage.