"I try to stay on my path" – Denis Shapovalov reflects on Canada's tennis struggles and his own journey

Despite current challenges, Canadian tennis players are displaying remarkable resilience. Even though they have experienced early exits in major tournaments, key players are not giving up. Denis Shapovalov, in particular, has shown his potential to produce fantastic performances against top-quality opposition.

His insights into his nation's struggles on the biggest stages of tennis provide a beacon of hope for the future.

Denis Shapovalov's early exit in Melbourne

Shapovalov knows he has what it takes to compete with the best on tour. That’s why he will be bitterly disappointedwith his second-round exit from the Australian Open. After four-set battle with Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, Shapovalov was knocked out by Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

In a match that lasted two hours and 42 minutes, Musetti triumphed with a 7-6(3), 7-6(6), 6-2 victory. Shapovalovstruggled with 15 double faults and a first-serve percentage of 58%.

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He wasn’t the only Canadian player to experience an early exit, as Felix Auger-Aliassime also left Melbourne earlier than expected. This raises the question: what has gone wrong for Canadian players?

Shapovalov offered some insight:

"One big reason is that everything has greatly slowed down in the last two years. 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."

Shapovalov's words highlight the need for a significant adjustment in the game. The change in balls and courts has forced players to rethink their approach and point-building strategies, making the game more demanding and engaging.

"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. Three or four years ago, I could go from defence to offence quickly, with my power alone. You must work the points now, play with angles, and use some slices. Everyone has had to add a lot of variety to their game."

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Staying in his lane

In recent years, we have seen a trend of young superstars rapidly rising to the game's elite. This raises the question of whether Shapovalov feels frustrated by this. However, the Canadian insists he isn’t fazed.

"I shot up when I was young, really quickly. Everyone has different seasons and different journeys. I try to stay on my path, not focused on other players too much … stay in my lane."

Looking ahead

“My goal is to try to come back to the top 10. I don’t know if it’s for this season or the next or however long. Hopefully it doesn’t take me long, but it’s definitely what I want to achieve and something I believe will come and can happen.

“The tennis is there. I need to keep the momentum going from the end of last year and try to stay healthy.’’

Canada’s tennis scene is brimming with potential, and the key to unlocking it lies in building momentum. Players like Shapovalov, who understand the importance of adapting and evolving, serve as a source of motivation for the entire Canadian tennis community.

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