Understanding Denis - Why Shapovalov's Peaks and Valleys Define His Unusual Career
The Canadian arrives in Toronto fresh off his fourth career title
When it all comes together, he’s as good as it gets. In flight, Denis Shapovalov athletically leaps into his one-handed backhand, extending and accelerating through the ball with effortless fluidity. He glides around the court quickly and with intent, eager to dictate the play on his terms. Oh, when he does, it really is a beautiful sight.
Shapovalov is still one of the most talented players on the circuit. At his best, capable of taking the racquet out of the hands of many of the world’s best players with his aggressive, high octane shot making, big lefty serve, and deft hands around the net. Yet at his worst, he’s not only susceptible to losses against any fellow competitor but to mental meltdowns.
We were fortunate to see the best last week, and frankly, it was clinical. Shapovalov ripped through the softer ATP250 field in Los Cabos, defeating Govind Nanda, Tristan Schoolkate, Adam Walton, and Aleksandar Kovacevic comprehensively in straight sets to seize his fourth career singles title and second of 2025.
The Canadian played with clarity, something he said was lacking during his grass court season.
“I started to become more hesitant in my matches, not playing as freely as I normally do,” said Shapovalov in his pre-tournament press conference at the National Bank Open.
“The goal in Los Cabos was… trying to play freely and play aggressively no matter what the score is.”
It was a unique admission from the 26-year-old, who’s been plagued far more often by inconsistencies as opposed to hesitancy.
His first serve is a weapon, explosive and dangerous, yet historically he’s made it at below a 60% rate (he’s currently 66th on tour in percentage). He ranks second on the ATP circuit in double fault percentage at 5.8%, a number that sits even higher than Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the tour leader in aces. He’s also regularly atop or near the top in unforced errors as well as winners, and his season often features some head scratching losses sprinkled throughout.
Case in point for 2025:
At the Rome Masters, an event where he was previously a semifinalist, Shapovalov lost to World No. 154 Vilius Gaubus 6-3, 6-4. The previous week in Zurich, he lost to 17-year-old Lucky Loser Diego Dedura 7-6, 3-0 (ret.). The German, ranked 549 at the time, infamously collapsed to the ground, spreading his arms to imitate Jesus on the cross.
At the French Open, Shapovalov lost to 18-year-old Filip Misolic in five sets at Roland Garros. The rising player, while undoubtedly talented, was just 153rd in the world at the time. The Austrian would win just seven total games in a straight sets loss to Novak Djokovic a couple days later.
The inconsistent stretches that feature bouts of disinterest, lack of motivation, and verbal outbursts have plagued what could otherwise be an excellent career. He’s dismissed coaches in the past who attempted to instil discipline in his tennis and training, receiving harsh reviews for former mentor Mikhail Youzhny who questioned his commitment to the sport. He barely managed half a year alongside coach Jamie Delgado, whom had spent five seasons working with Andy Murray, pushing him to world No. 1 in 2016. Former player Peter Polansky worked with Shapovalov in a quasi coaching/hitting partner role during a particularly poor period, overseeing an abysmal stretch that featured nine losses over 10 matches from May to August of 2022.
While Shapovalov parted ways with Janko Tipsarevic just weeks ago, the Richmond Hill native insists he’s found stability in his team again, leaning on Sweden’s Mikail Tillstrom, a former coach of Gael Monfils.
“He helped out last year when I was in between coaches. I think he’s a tremendous coach and hopefully we can have a good partnership,” said the Canadian.
Shapo’s peaks can sometimes be as pronounced as the valleys.
In Dallas earlier this season, he ousted three top 10 players, beating Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Casper Ruud in succession to win his first career 500 level title.
He reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2021. He had Rafael Nadal on the brink of defeat in the 2022 quarterfinals of Australia and has had success internationally as well with Davis Cup and ATP Cup titles.
He’s also affable, personable, and wholesome. He married his longtime girlfriend and fellow professional tennis player Mirjam Bjorklund 10 months ago. He’s terrific with kids, and a passionate animal lover, launching his ShapoShelter three years ago, and partnering with shelters worldwide to find dogs new homes and families.
“ShapoShelter has been a great project for the last few years. It’s an extra way of contributing and helping out, and just being able to tell these animals’ stories,” said the 26-year-old.
“I always grew up having animals at home, and I’ve always had a connection to (them). It’s always been dear to my heart.”
There is, in fact, a lot to be positive about in 2025 as the Canadian has promptly returned inside the top 30 after falling outside the top 100 for nearly a year and a half. He arrived to Toronto last week in great spirits, making time for young, aspiring players all over the grounds at Sobeys Stadium.
“The most important thing for me (being back) is just to see my family and friends while I’m here.”
Apart from his breakthrough semifinals run in 2017 in Montreal, Shapovalov has had his share of struggles playing in Canada. He’s not advanced past the first round of this event since 2021, and hasn’t won consecutive matches here since 2018.
Nine years into his career and Shapovalov, the person, now seems calm and self assured of himself and his identity as a player. Aggressive to a fault with a sky-high ceiling, and very low floor, breathtaking and highlight-reel tennis, or wild and unpredictable swings in level.
While he may frustrate, he may also inspire. So Toronto fans can get ready — Shapo time is certainly coming. We just don’t know which version.