Denis Shapovalov has long been one of tennis’s most interesting and frustrating players
The Canadian world No.28 has a backhand as pure as any on Tour and a game brimming with invention, yet it is one that never quite settles into consistency.
For years his game has bubbled over with potential; a firework ready to go off, only for the fuse to be snuffed out time and again at crucial moments. The promise is undeniable, but so too is the sense that the spark could vanish just as suddenly.
As he prepares to face Hungarian Márton Fucsovics in the first round at Flushing Meadows, the lingering question is which version of Shapovalov will step onto the court in New York?
On the plus side, he has claimed two ATP titles this year, including his biggest to date, a 7-6, 6-3 win over Casper Ruud in the Dallas Open final at ATP 500 level. That run showcased his attacking flair, with impressive victories over Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Ruud on the way to claiming the title.
Conversely, his recent Grand Slam performances have been uninspiring, with no runs beyond the fourth round since the 2022 Australian Open, where he lost in the quarter-finals to eventual champion Rafael Nadal.
His defeats in recent Slams have been plagued by the same issues that have dogged him for years: impulsiveness and a lack of patience in longer rallies, no Plan B when his all-out attacking style falters, and faltering stamina levels over best-of-five-set matches.
Therein lies the curiosity of his game: when it clicks, his attacking style is a true joy to behold. His single-handed backhand, one of the few left at the top level, is a shot as thrilling to watch as any in the sport when fully on.
The issue has never been a lack of talent – that is present in abundance. The question is whether there is a way to temper his natural instincts so he can approach matches without having to play lights out tennis with every point.
It could be that one day it will simply click for him, much like it did for Stan Wawrinka, and his explosive, power-packed hitting will be enough to carry him into the winner’s circle at top-tier tournaments. Yet, at 26 years old, should he potentially sit down and decide whether it’s time to choose pragmatism over idealism? That is a question only he can truly know the answer to, if he wants to ask it.
Yet, as he prepares to face Fucsovics, a player renowned for his physical conditioning, this may be the moment for Shapovalov to harness his magic in a more contained manner. Perhaps then the fuse he lights when he steps on court can be a slow-burning one, and we can all get to enjoy it more before the display is over.
