"Doing everything I can every single day to get back on court": Denis Shapovalov hits back angrily after scathing ex-coach criticism
ATP
Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov has hit back at his
ex-coach coach Mikhail Youzhny for his criticism of lack of commitment.
The 41-year-old recently criticised the 24-year-old for not
giving everything on the court. “I felt like I can’t bring him the change he
needed,” he said. “He is listening, but he is not fully doing what he needs to
do in order to be a top player.
“Two or three years ago, he was one of the guys who could
consistently be in the top ten, but for that to happen, he needed to change a
few things outside tennis. He must be healthy 100%, first and foremost, and
physically better.
“Main thing, he has to try to put tennis as his priority. It
is his priority for most of the time, but in my opinion, he made some wrong
decisions where he didn’t make tennis as the priority.”
Shapovalov in a post on his official account on social media
platform X—previously known as Twitter — where he hit back on Youzhny for
making such remarks.
“Awful how can someone can go out of their way to say i’m
not giving everything for my tennis when I’ve dedicated my whole life to it
from the age of 5. Not to mention being injured since Wimbledon, rehabbing and
doing everything I can every single day just to get back on court,” he wrote.
Shapovalov did not have a great time on the court in 2023 where
he managed to participate in three out of four Grand Slams and missed the US
Open. His best outing in the major tournament in the recently concluded season
came at Wimbledon where he was knocked out of the competition after losing in
the fourth round to Russia’s Roman Safiullin with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-1,
6-3.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 10visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
