David Goffin’s resurgence at the Rolex Shanghai Masters is not just a testament to his enduring talent but also a reflection of his newfound motivation: his newborn daughter, Emma. The 33-year-old Belgian, who has battled injuries in recent years, has rediscovered his form in Shanghai, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in three years.
Goffin’s journey to the last eight has been marked by resilience and determination. After entering the tournament ranked 66th, he has overcome a set deficit in each of his three matches, including a stunning victory over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
The Belgian’s triumph over Zverev was particularly emotional. After clinching the match, Goffin sent a heartfelt message to his daughter, signing the camera with the letter ‘E’ inside a heart. “I wanted to show my daughter that I can be a good tennis player,” he said. “I will try to find a few more years just to show her that I can still play tennis.”
Goffin’s resurgence is a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite falling outside the world’s Top 100 in 2023, he never doubted his potential. “I was not thinking retiring,” he said. “I put a lot of hard work in the last few months. The tennis came back.”
The Belgian’s success in Shanghai is a reminder that age is just a number. With his daughter as his inspiration, Goffin is determined to prove that he can still compete with the best in the world. He will face another Top 10 opponent, Taylor Fritz, in the quarterfinals, but Goffin is confident in his abilities.
“I built the confidence from the beginning of the tournament,” he said. “I just came on the court and just tried to play my best tennis. It worked.”
Goffin’s journey in Shanghai is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of family. With his daughter watching from afar, he is determined to continue his resurgence and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.
