Federer extremely impressed with Denis Shapovalov, Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer says he likes the games of Alexander Zverev and Denis Shapovalov, who both had big runs in Montreal.

Shapovalov defeated Rafael Nadal in a tight three-setter that Federer watched in his hotel room.

"I loved watching Denis play," he said. "I think he had the matches of the tournament, with all these great three-setters that he had, especially the one against Rafa. I think he caught the attention of the tennis world, and rightfully so. I really enjoyed watching him."

The 18-year-old Canadian wild card reached the semifinals, falling to Zverev. Zverev then defeated a seemingly injured Federer in the final to win his second Masters title.

"Alexander has been around for a while now," said Federer, who has now split his four tour meetings with the 20-year-old. "But at this level, I've gotten to play him already now for the fourth or fifth time, practiced a ton with him. We know each other well."

Zverev's task now is to keep playing at this level, Federer noted.

"For the time being he's in good shape," said Federer. "He's healthy, he's motivated, he has a lot of confidence. I like his game. He has a big game, he serves well, he has a great backhand—I like his backhand."

Zverev is playing this week's Masters event in Cincinnati, while Shapovalov has withdrawn from the Vancouver Challenger.

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