Quo vadis, Denis Shapovalov?
ForDenis Shapovalov, in 2023 things are not yet going according to plan. The reasons for this are manifold.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: May 09, 2023, 02:07 pm
The year 2023 actually started quite promisingly for Denis Shapovalov with the quarter-finals at the ATP 250 event in Adelaide. Since then, however, nothing has worked out for the 24-year-old Canadian: In his eight other tournament appearances, Shapovalov never made it past the round of 16.
Shapovalov, it seems, is currently stagnating at the highest level. On the one hand, last year's Vienna finalist still lacks variability in his game, on the other hand, the world number 27. also struggling with knee problems this season. Therefore he recently had to cancel his start at the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
After reaching the quarterfinals in the past season, Shapovalov is threatened with a crash in the ranking. The Canadian will probably not be seeded at the French Open in Paris, so there is already a risk of a duel with an absolute top man in round one. In view of his crisis, the prospects for the 24-year-old are not rosy.
The good news: Shapovalov has almost no points to defend in the French capital after losing in the first round last year. And could therefore soon achieve the turnaround. Even if this currently seems extremely unrealistic.