Denis Shapovalov tennis player biography, family, records and awards

Denis Shapovalov is a tennis player who is seen by many as a future Grand Slam winner. Here’s an overview of the star from Canada.

Denis Shapovalov file image. (Image credit: Twitter/Denis Shapovalov)
By Shayne Dias | Dec 15, 2021 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Denis Shapovalov is a tennis player who many believe is destined to for big things in the sport. His consistent performances have seen many peg him as a future Grand Slam winner.

The southpaw has been a consistently threatening presence in ATP events or Grand Slams in recent years. And, at 22 years of age, there is also every reason to believe he will get better and better.

But how much do you really know about the Canadian rising star? Here we look at all you need to know about the young southpaw in terms of his records, career, family and so much more.

Canadian tennis player Denis Shapovalov profile

Denis Shapovalov is a player who is comfortable with both his backhand and forehand. Indeed, he is one of few to enjoy a one-handed backhand with left topspin.

He’s used the move on a fairly regular basis and often to devastating effect. The Canadian’s extremely dominant forehand is also a massive asset.

Besides this, he possesses good athleticism and the type of self-confidence needed to make it at the top of the sport.

“I just feel like a confident player, I feel like I’m able to compete with anyone. I feel like I’m becoming a really big threat,” he once told the ATP’s official website.

“Those are definitely super positive things for me. I think it’s always important to back yourself in sports in general, but especially in tennis.”

Denis Shapovalov physical statistics

According to his official ATP profile, he stands at 1.85m, or 6 feet and one inch. He weighs 165 lbs, or 75 kg. He plays left-handed and his best shot is a backhand with top-spin.

Shapalov can also dominate with his serve that has both power and accuracy. This ensures he is tough to beat when on serve.

He is also very quick on his feet and his on-court movement is both sharp and smart. His stamina ensures that opponents will struggle to wear him down.

Denis Shapovalov family & relationships

Shapovalov’s known family consists of three members. His father is named Viktor Shapovalov and his mother is Tessa Shapovalov. Denis also has a brother named Evgeniy Shapovalov.

Shapovalov is also in a relationship with Mirjam Bjorklund, a young tennis player from Sweden. They began dating in around June 2019.

Biography of Denis Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov was born on April 15, 1999 meaning he is currently 22 years old. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Denis Shapovalov has tennis in his blood.

His mother was part of the Soviet Union tennis team prior to its collapse. And it was she who first coached him when he showed an interest in the game.

The family moved from Israel to Canada, where Shapovalov developed his game. His mother became a coach in a club, where young Denis would also learn his craft.

Eventually she would establish her own academy solely to teach her son. And, after a promising junior career, he turned pro and hasn’t looked back since.

Denis Shapovalov tennis career

He turned professional in 2017 and has since then risen up the rankings faster than anyone expected. His career high was 10, achieved first in September 2020 and then again a year later.

He is currently 14th in the ATP rankings, a position he will remain in until at least the start of the 2022 season.

He’s won just the one title, but finished as a runner-up in four other tournaments till date. His best Grand Slam showing came at Wimbledon 2021, where he reached the semi-final.

Denis Shapovalov tennis awards

In his first year as a professional, he won two individual awards. He was awarded the title of ‘Most Improved Player’ at the end of the season. But that wasn’t the only award he won.

He also received the ‘ATP Star of Tomorrow’ trophy. It was a major signal of bigger things to come for the young Canadian; after all, he was in his first year as a pro.

Denis Shapovalov tennis records

Denis Shapovalov’s tennis record for 2021 makes for interesting reading; he ended the year with a 30-23 win-loss record.

The year was notable for him losing in the first round of tournaments to players ranked lower than him. That is doubtless something he wants changed for next season.

His overall win-loss record is 134-110 as of December 2021, with one title won. That too is something he will want to improve next season: win more titles.

Denis Shapovalov on social media

Denis Shapovalov, like most athletes nowadays, is active on social media. His Twitter account can be found here and his Instagram account here. He is also on Facebook and his page can be found here.

Denis Shapovalov hobbies and favourites

Denis Shapovalov has a keen interest in rap music. He is also reportedly eager to one day make a career out of this passion.

He’s posted snippets of his own music on his social media accounts in the past. His favourite rapper is Eminem.

His other interest is one most people from Canada would be familiar with: ice hockey. Shapovalov also considers ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as one of the greatest sportspeople ever.