Denis Shapovalov is ready to go in California as he looks to consolidate his rise since last playing the Masters 1000 event.

The world number 13 is making his third appearance at Indian Wells and will be looking to improve on his previous best performance of reaching the fourth round in 2019.

Shapovalov is the ninth seed for this year’s event. In 2019, the then 19-year-old was seeded 24th.

“It’s a little bit weird being back here because it’s kind of where everything started,” the Canadian told reporters at a pre-tournament press conference.

“It’s just been a lot [since then]. [I] definitely feel like a completely different player coming into the event this year. A lot more experienced, a lot more relaxed on the court.”

Since Indian Wells 2019, Shapovalov has reached two Masters 1000 semi-finals, plus a final at the 2019 Paris Masters.

He also achieved his best Slam result this year, reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

“I’ve been through the ride a couple times now so I know exactly what to expect from myself,” Shapovalov continued.

“Just, overall [I’m] happy with the way I’ve been able to grow since everything kind of shut down [during the pandemic].”

Shapovalov attained his career-high ranking of world number 10 in September 2020, soon after the tour ended its pandemic hiatus.

Going into Indian Wells, the 22-year-old holds a 25-20 win-loss record on the season.

After receiving a bye into the second round, the Canadian will either face compatriot Vasek Pospisil or American wildcard JJ Wolf in his first match in the desert.