Denis Shapovalov is a Canadian tennis player who did not experience much success in the 2023 season. There has been much speculation surrounding why his tennis abilities took a hit this season, but proper answers have not been presented. His ex-coach, Mikhail Youzhny, shared his thoughts about why he is not playing his best.

Youzhny’s comments did not settle well with Shapovalov. The Canadian player was surprised by the words his former coach used and hit back at his comments recently in a social media post.

Denis Shapovalov hits back at ex-coach

The Canadian tennis player has faced much criticism from various tennis personalities after an abysmal 2023 season. However, the words of his coach are possibly the most scathing review he had to face. Youzhny said that the Canadian player was not dedicated to the sport, which is what caused him to fall in the 2023 season. 

Youzhny, after his short reunion with Shapovalov, needed to be 100% healthy. Additionally, he also needs to make tennis his priority because Youzhny has seen times when tennis was not the first priority for Shapovalov. The comments of his former coach only served to anger him, and he wrote about them on his social media.

The former number 10 wrote, “Awful how can someone can go out of their way to say I’m not giving everything for my tennis when I’ve dedicated my whole life to it from the age of 5. Not to mention being injured since Wimbledon, rehabbing and doing everything I can every single day just to get back on court.”

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Along with the problems of his dedication, he gave additional scathing remarks that would further sour the relationship between Shapovalov and his former coach.

Shapovalov isn’t doing what is necessary

Youzhny and Shapovalov had their reunion during the US Open earlier this year. Shapovalov had called him to receive advice over his shortcomings. After the two were done communicating, Youzhny said that nothing had changed with Shapovalov’s mindset. He was listening to his ex-coach, but he had not heeded his advice. 

He is not doing what a player of his stature needs to do to be a top player. The 24-year-old had the mindset two or three years ago that he could consistently be in the top 10, but now, he is devoid of the competitive spirit. The coach’s words sparked controversy, and the Canadian player spoke his mind. We might see a reply from his coach soon as the drama continues.

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