Denis Shapovalov and Iga Swiatek, besides being great champions at a young age, have something else in common: having a sports psychologist.
Iga Swiatek stunned the tennis community and beyond after conquering the recent Roland Garros in style and without dropping a single set on the way. Also, the Pole dropped only 28 games during the slam. After winning the French slam, Iga stressed the importance of having a sports psychologist traveling with her during some of her tournaments.
Shapovalov and the psychologist in his coaching team
Denis has an immense potential that, coupled with his fascinating tennis, makes him one of the most watchable players on tour. However, the Canadian sensation has been through many ups and downs and he is struggling with consistency.
Shapovalov had the right intuition to partner with former top10 player Mikhail Youzhny, which is now an important part of his coaching team alongside his mother, Tessa.
Mikhail was the one to recommend a sports psychologist (Vadim) to Denis. The 21-year-old is extremely happy with the recommendation to say:
“I felt like it was a big part of my game and overall something I can really improve on. I feel like he’s helped me just unbelievably. He’s really helped me get rid of all the anger and emotions I have in the matches and just let myself play freely and it lets me just play my game at all times.”
Shapovalov in St. Petersburg, ranking, and results in 2020
Currently ranked no.12, Denis has a composed 15-11 record in 2020. The Canadian is playing in St. Petersburg where he overcame Viktor Troicki 6-2 6-3.
Denis Shapovalov will compete against Ivashka in the 2nd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Shapovalov.
Iga Swiatek in 2020
At the moment ranked no.17 (career-high), Swiatek played her last match on the 10th of October when she defeated Sofia Kenin 6-4 6-1 in the final of the French Open to win her 1st career title.
This year the Pole has a 16-5 match record. The Pole has won 1 title at the French Open.
