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Shapovalov retires from the Olympics just like Nadal and Thiem

These are the reasons why Denis Shapovalov will not play the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year

20 June 2021

Denis Shapovalov is the last top tennis player that decided not to compete at the upcoming Olympic Games. Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem have also announced the fact that they will skip the Olympics in Tokyo. The big issue is that tennis players seem to have enough of living in bubbles and the Olympic Games this year do not seem to carry the same flair as the previous ones because of the restrictions.

This was Shapovalov’s statement:

“It was definitely a difficult choice. Obviously, I have always dreamt of representing Canada, representing my country at the Olympics. It’s something I think every athlete dreams about growing up – and especially me. I’ve always wanted to go. With the COVID restrictions and everything going on right now, we just decided with the team that it’s just best for us to skip this one. But for sure, it’s definitely a big pity.”

Denis Shapovalov has just lost in the semi-final at the Queen’s Club. He will take a break this week from competitions so as to get ready to have a deep run in Wimbledon.

Shapovalov in London, ranking, and results in 2021

Currently the world no.14, Denis has a composed 18-13 record in 2021. Shapovalov is participating in London where he defeated Aleksandar Vukic 7-6⁶ 7-6⁶, Feliciano Lopez 6-2 6-3 and Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4.

London

Shapovalov's Record

Projected
Draw

Rafael Nadal in 2021

Now ranked no.3, Nadal played his last match on the 11^th of June when he was defeated by world no.1 Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal of the French Open (draw).

This season Rafael has achieved a composed 23-4 record. The Spaniard has won 2 titles in 2021 in Barcelona and in Rome.

French Open

Nadal's Record

Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal fought against each other 4 times. Their actual record is 3-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time when they squared off, Rafael Nadal won 3-6 6-4 7-6(3) in the 3^rd round in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) on the 13^th of May 2021.

You can see them in action in the following highlights.

Dominic Thiem in 2021

Currently ranked no.5, Dominic played his last match on the 30^th of May when he was defeated by world no.70 Pablo Andujar 4-6 5-7 6-3 6-4 6-4 in the 1^st round of the French Open (draw).

At the moment, during this season Dominic has a 9-8 record. Dominic Thiem’s most significant accomplishment of the current season was reaching the semifinal in Madrid.