Denis Shapovalov isn’t content with merely being part of the ATP Tour — he wants to be a top contender again. Once heralded as a rising star and potential Top 10 mainstay, the 25-year-old Canadian has faced a series of injuries and setbacks that saw his ranking drop to No. 58. Now, he’s determined to reignite his career and surpass his previous achievements.
Shapovalov’s Comeback Journey
After a significant injury hiatus, Shapovalov made a triumphant return by capturing the title at the Belgrade Open, signaling that he still has the game to compete at the highest level. But for Shapovalov, winning ATP 250 events isn’t enough — he’s setting his sights on Grand Slams and Masters titles.
Speaking to ATPTour.com during the 2025 Adelaide International, where he fell in the second round to Marcos Giron, Shapovalov laid bare his ambitions:
“When I stopped with my injury, I told my team, I told my family, that it’s not interesting for me to be back and to be an average player. For me, it’s either trying to push those limits and go even further or to stop. For me to be just a mediocre player, it’s not for me. It’s not interesting.”
Teaming Up with Janko Tipsarevic
To aid his mission, Shapovalov has enlisted former World No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic as part of his coaching team. Tipsarevic, a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist and Davis Cup champion, brings a wealth of experience to the Canadian’s corner. For Shapovalov, having a coach who has been in the pressure cooker of elite tennis is invaluable:
“I think it’s super important to have someone like Janko, someone that knows what I’m going through, knows the experiences and the feelings that I feel, and someone that I can really discuss certain things that others might not quite understand.”
Tipsarevic’s addition signals a renewed focus on mental and tactical preparation, with Shapovalov eager to emulate his coach’s gritty approach to the game.
The Road Ahead
Shapovalov’s path back to the top won’t be easy. The ATP Tour is stacked with talent, and the margins for error are slim. However, the Canadian’s self-belief and willingness to embrace challenges could be the difference-maker. Reflecting on his motivation to return, Shapovalov said:
“I’ve achieved a lot, I think, in my short career. So for me, it’s about trying to push those limits and go even further.”
With the 2025 Australian Open around the corner, Shapovalov will face his first major test of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the young Canadian can convert his ambition into results on tennis’s biggest stages. If his determination is any indication, Shapovalov is far from finished.
