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Denis Shapovalov has attributed his recent struggles on the ATP Tour to major changes in playing conditions since COVID-19, particularly slower balls and courts. Once hailed as a future star, the 25-year-old Canadian reached the top-10 and a Wimbledon semifinal by 21 but has since dropped to No. 53 in the rankings.
Shapovalov, who has struggled for form in recent years, believes these changes have hurt players like him and fellow Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. “One big reason is that everything has greatly slowed down in the last two years,” he told TSN. “Since COVID, the balls have gone much slower since we’ve come back. Unfortunately, they don’t benefit players like me and Félix. Again, it could be an excuse, but that’s how tennis sometimes is.”
The aggressive shot-maker admitted that his once-effective attacking style is now much harder to execute. “Three or four years ago, I could go from defense to offense quickly, with my power alone. Now, you must work the points, play with angles, and use some slices,” Shapovalov explained. “I’ve had to become much more patient and add variety to my game. I can’t just go for the big shots anymore because they’re not so effective, especially if you’re standing far from the court.”
Shapovalov’s struggles saw him fall outside the top-100 in 2024, but a title run at the ATP 250 event in Belgrade helped him climb back into the rankings. Despite his frustrations, he continues to adapt to the evolving game, acknowledging that success now requires more tactical variety and precision rather than sheer power.
Denis Shapovalov in 2025
At the moment ranked no.53, the Canadian played his last match on the 16th of January when he was defeated by world no.17 Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(3) 7-6(6) 6-2 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Shapovalov has achieved a 2-3 record.
He is also scheduled to play in Dallas (Dallas Open) on the 3rd of February and () on the 30th of December.
Denis Shapovalov |
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