Shapovalov on marriage, balance & comeback: 'She's always kept me level-headed'
It’s been a year of rediscovery for Denis Shapovalov. One filled with milestones off the court, too.
Titles in Dallas and Los Cabos marked his resurgence, while his marriage to former WTA player Mirjam Bjorklund has brought a sense of calm and balance to his life. Now back inside the Top 25 of the PIF ATP Rankings, Shapovalov is feeling both grounded and inspired — though, as he jokes, influenced by another member of the family, their dog Yatzy.
“I think getting a dog was a much bigger change than having the wedding,” Shapovalov joked to ATPTour.com in Paris. “We have to get used to calling each other husband and wife, but other than that everything has stayed pretty much the same between us. Having our dog in our lives is definitely a cool addition.”
If Shapovalov seems more relaxed on and off court these days, much of that, he admits, comes from Bjorklund’s steadying presence. The pair, who tied the knot last month in a picturesque Greek ceremony, have long been one of tennis’ closest couples, each deeply understanding the highs and lows of life on Tour.
Shapovalov spent the final six months of the 2023 season sidelined with a left knee injury, unsure if he would ever rediscover his explosive best. Through that period, Bjorklund was his anchor.
“She’s a big reason why I am able to do what I can today,” Shapovalov said. “She’s been around for many years and has seen me through the ups and downs. Especially during the injury time, it was a very difficult time in my life.
“Even when I was coming back, I was having a lot of conversations with her, saying ‘I’m not sure if I’m ever going to get back to my level’. But she always kept me level-headed and told me to take it one moment at a time. She had a lot of confidence that I’ll be back where I am today, so a lot of credit to her.”
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That belief has translated into results. Shapovalov has tallied 26 wins in 2025 and his strong finish to the season has also featured a semi-final run in Stockholm and a quarter-final finish in Basel, where he was forced to retire in the third set against eventual champion Joao Fonseca.
The familiar rhythm of the ATP Tour’s indoor hard-court swing has always suited the 26-year-old: His powerful shotmaking and aggressive returning thrive under the lights and faster conditions.
“I always feel I am able to play good tennis at this part of the season at the indoor tournaments,” said Shapovalov. “It always brings out the best tennis that I can play. I feel comfortable and I’ve been able to play some really good matches lately, so I’m happy with that.”
Now at the Rolex Paris Masters, Shapovalov will get a chance for quick revenge when he faces the #NextGenATP Brazilian in the first round on Tuesday. Though he trails 0-1 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, the Canadian will be able to draw on fond memories he holds in the French capital, where he reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in 2019 before falling to Novak Djokovic.
Despite the move to La Défense Arena for the 2025 edition and the lingering injury concern over his right knee — the reason for his Basel retirement — Shapovalov remains upbeat.
“It’s a little bit different this year because it’s a different site, but this period I have been able to play great tennis for multiple seasons, so I always get good feelings, no matter where I play indoors,” said Shapovalov. “Coming back to Paris — the last big tournament of the year — it’s very special for me.”
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