Denis Shapovalov of Canada has made an indelible mark on professional tennis with his extraordinary skills and steady rise through the ATP rankings since turning professional in 2016. Quickly making an impression after turning pro in 2016, Shapovalov showed his potential by becoming one of only a few Canadians ever to reach a junior Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon that same year – an impressive feat in itself!
The following year saw Shapovalov’s remarkable breakthrough at the Rogers Cup in Montreal. As a wildcard, he stunned audiences by defeating several top-ranked players, including the legendary Rafael Nadal, and reached the semifinals. Since that pivotal moment, Shapovalov has continued to carve his name in the annals of professional tennis, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 10 in the ATP rankings by September 2020.
Family Ties: Brother Evgeniy Shapovalov
Denis Shapovalov’s older brother, Evgeniy, was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. While there is limited public information about Evgeniy, it’s clear the brothers share a strong bond. The two siblings have likely maintained a close relationship as they navigated their respective life paths.
It is unclear if Evgeniy has pursued tennis with the same fervor as Denis, or if he has found passion in other fields. Regardless, he undoubtedly played a supportive role in Denis’s journey towards professional success in tennis.
The Cornerstones of Shapovalov’s Career: His Parents
Denis Shapovalov can trace his roots back to his parents, Viktor and Tessa Shapovalov. Tessa played professionally for the Soviet Union National Tennis Team before passing it along to her son Denis.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Shapovalovs moved to Israel, where Viktor worked as a trader while Tessa began coaching tennis. The family eventually relocated to Ontario, Canada, where Tessa founded her own tennis academy, Tessa Tennis.
Despite Viktor’s preference for privacy, his role in Denis’s life is palpable. Together, Viktor and Tessa have provided a robust support system for their son, enabling him to chase his dreams on the tennis court.
Denis Shapovalov: Family and Personal Life
Born on April 15, 1999, in Israel, Denis comes from a diverse background. His mother was raised Jewish while his father is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. They moved from Russia to Israel in the late 1980s.
In addition to his parents and his older brother Evgeniy, Denis’s personal life includes his romantic partner, Mirjam Bjorklund. Bjorklund, a Swedish tennis player, and Shapovalov started dating in 2019. The two have often been spotted supporting each other at matches, reflecting their mutual passion for the sport and their deep bond. Their recent 4th anniversary was celebrated with a heartwarming post on Instagram, attesting to their thriving relationship.
From his breakthrough at the Rogers Cup to his rise in the ATP rankings, Denis Shapovalov’s journey in professional tennis has been nothing short of inspiring. With his strong family ties and his promising career, Denis Shapovalov continues to be a shining beacon in the world of tennis.
