Much has been expected of Denis Shapovalov ever since he burst onto the scene in 2017 at the Canadian Open. In front of a packed home crowd, the then 18-year old defeated Rafael Nadal in an awesome display of fearless hitting. Since then, the awesome power has often been interlaced with erratic performances; double faults, missed returns, and a lack of variety have made consistent results hard to come by. He has one title to his name—an ATP 250 in Stockholm from 2019—from three ATP 250 final appearances. He is 0/10 in semi-final matches from ATP 500, 1000, and Grand Slam matches. Furthermore, it is not unusual for the world number 14 to lose in first and second rounds against opponents ranked much lower (e.g., Shapovalov’s two most recent losses have been to players ranked 61 and 137
I was so pumped to see a great player with a one handed backhand. Shapo looked like he would be the next great player. Maybe a Wimbledon champion. I really wonder if what you have written bout the forehand applies to the modern one handed backhand. It is a tradeoff that favors speed and spin. Shapo and Tsitipas hit enormous spin. And yet they are often caught off guard on that side. Wawrinka is surprising in that he had a very serviceable slice and a great topspin too.
I still watch him a lot when I get a chance on Tennis Channel+. Shapo seems to lack defense and his returns on both sides are not very good. It is almost as if he sees the ball just a little bit late as it comes off the racket. Compared to other players he just seems out of position. My son thinks he is not very balanced as he moves sideways or backwards. So his style has to be full on attack because he moves very well into the court. Also, his volleys, especially his backhand volley, is not very good. So he has major firepower but lacks defense, returns and volleys. It is kind of make or break with him when playing.
He he's always had the offence in his game, but sadly he's seemed to have made little progress in the areas that would help with his consistency: chip returns, a solid slice, a drop shot, serviceable volleys, and a little bit of height and spin in his ground game. Seems content on crushing every ball instead.
I was so pumped to see a great player with a one handed backhand. Shapo looked like he would be the next great player. Maybe a Wimbledon champion. I really wonder if what you have written bout the forehand applies to the modern one handed backhand. It is a tradeoff that favors speed and spin. Shapo and Tsitipas hit enormous spin. And yet they are often caught off guard on that side. Wawrinka is surprising in that he had a very serviceable slice and a great topspin too.
I still watch him a lot when I get a chance on Tennis Channel+. Shapo seems to lack defense and his returns on both sides are not very good. It is almost as if he sees the ball just a little bit late as it comes off the racket. Compared to other players he just seems out of position. My son thinks he is not very balanced as he moves sideways or backwards. So his style has to be full on attack because he moves very well into the court. Also, his volleys, especially his backhand volley, is not very good. So he has major firepower but lacks defense, returns and volleys. It is kind of make or break with him when playing.
Do you see any of this as well? Just wondering.
Thanks again for all the great content!
He he's always had the offence in his game, but sadly he's seemed to have made little progress in the areas that would help with his consistency: chip returns, a solid slice, a drop shot, serviceable volleys, and a little bit of height and spin in his ground game. Seems content on crushing every ball instead.