Canada’s Denis Shapovalov has pulled out of the French Open less than 24 hours after playing in the Geneva final.
The world No.14 unexpectedly withdrew from the Grand Slam on Sunday evening, according to multiple sources. Shapovalov’s decision has caught many off guard with there currently being no explanation as to why he will not be playing in Paris. Although he did say over the weekend that his body had been ‘beat up’ following a ‘physical couple of days.’ Opencourt.ca, also reports that the Canadian acknowledged that was ‘struggling with some things’ but at the time stated that he intended to play the French Open.
Shapovalov’s setback comes only a day after he reached his first ever ATP final on the clay. At the Geneva Open he scored wins over Laslo Đere and Pablo Cuevas en route to the title match which he lost in straight sets to Casper Ruud. He also recently reached the third round of the Italian Open before losing a tightly contested encounter against Rafael Nadal.
“I don’t think I have any points to prove. I’m playing for myself. I’ve had good results in the past on clay. So, I don’t think it’s a surprise that I’m able to play on this surface anymore,” Shapovalov told reporters on Saturday.
“I just think it’s more me coming together with myself, because my game has been there, I’ve been saying that for the last couple months, it’s has been a bit more mental. So, I’ve moved past that, and I’m able to just play my game now, and play the way I know that I can play.”
The 22-year-old had previously played in 14 consecutive Grand Slam main draws with his best result being at the US Open last year when he reached the quarter-finals. Becoming the first male player from his country to do so. At the French Open he is yet to progress beyond the second round in his career.
Shapovalov will be replaced by 28-year-old Japanese player Yasutaka Uchiyama in the French Open who is yet to win a Grand Slam main draw match in his career. The tournament will get underway on May 30th.
UPDATE
Since this article was published Shapovalov has confirmed that his withdrawal from the French Open is due to a shoulder injury.
