Tennis fans can rejoice as Denis Shapovalov, after a six-month injury layoff following the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, has returned to training. The Canadian tennis star had been absent from the courts since his fourth-round defeat at Wimbledon against Roman Safiullin, during which he aggravated a persistent knee issue that had troubled him since the 2022 Vienna Open.
Reflecting on the injury, Shapovalov admitted, “It’s been on and off since Vienna last year,” shedding light on the lingering knee problem that persisted despite his attempts to compete. Instead of opting for surgery, Shapovalov chose to take a hiatus from the game to focus on rehabilitating his knee. This decision led him to withdraw from the North American hard-court season, including the US Open, and ultimately ended his 2023 campaign after pulling out of the Paris Masters in October.
Despite the extended absence from competitive play, Shapovalov is eager to kickstart the upcoming season. Embracing the Dubai heat during his return to training, Shapovalov expressed immense joy at resuming his passion for tennis. He took a moment to extend gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support throughout the challenging period.
“A lot of hard work and tough days coming back from my injury but I’m super excited to be feeling good on the court again!! Can’t wait to get back to doing what I love. Appreciate all the support you’ve given me these last few months… See you soon,” Shapovalov shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
A lot of hard work and tough days coming back from my injury but I’m super excited to be feeling good on the court again!! Can’t wait to get back to doing what I love. Appreciate all the support you’ve given me these last few months… See you soon 😎💪🏼🐺 pic.twitter.com/GqxEeaLBth
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) December 20, 2023
As the 2024 tennis season approaches, Shapovalov’s return raises speculation about his tournament schedule. With the Australian Open set to commence on January 14, 2024, fans eagerly anticipate where the Canadian player will mark his comeback.
Shapovalov’s determined return to training signifies his eagerness to reclaim his spot on the tennis circuit. As the new season beckons, the tennis world eagerly awaits the return of the dynamic Canadian player, hoping to witness his signature style and competitive spirit once again.
Denis Shapovalov in 2023
LLLWWWLLWW Ranked world no.109, the Canadian played his last match on the 9th of July when he was overcome by world no.39 Roman Safiullin 3-6 6-3 6-1 6-3 in the 4th round in Wimbledon (draw).
At the moment, during this season Denis owns a composed 13-13 win-loss record.
Denis Shapovalov |
| Embed from Getty Images |
