The Russian 22-year-old tennis player Alexander Shevchenko, who recently had his first ATP final at the tournament in France, has entered the top 50 of the men's singles rankings. From December 1 to 3, 2023, he will participate in the international team tournament the North Palmyra Trophies as part of the team «Lions» led by captain Svetlana Kuznetsova.

- Congratulations on such a strong season finish. How would you sum up and asses your results? And what are your plans for the future?

- I think this is the best season of my career, and I'm very satisfied with it. The initial plan was to break into the top 100 tennis players globally, but when I achieved that midway through the season, I set a new goal to enter the top 50 by the end of the season. I accomplished it when it seemed almost impossible. As for the plans for the next season, naturally, I aim to perform at my best in Grand Slam tournaments and major events. I hope to reach the top 20 of the world rankings by the end of the upcoming season.

- What do you expect from the upcoming North Palmyra Trophies tournament in Saint Petersburg? What can you say about the competition format?

- I think it will be very, very interesting to play in such a tournament, especially as part of a team with my fiancée [Anastasia Potapova]. I hope Nastya and I can show our best tennis. I like the format; in general, I enjoy team competitions the most, where everyone is united by team spirit.