Denis Shapovalov won't be playing at the 2023 Canadian Open in Toronto as he withdrew from the event due to an injury.
Shapovalov has had a couple of really bad seasons on the ATP Tour, and 2023 wasn't any better. Poor play and injury problems more recently saw him struggle to find consistent playing time. This particular injury bothered him at Wimbledon though he elected to finish the event standing as opposed to retiring from his match.
He then withdrew from a couple of events after that, including the Citi Open in Washington, explaining that he needed more time to get ready, but it won't happen in time for the Canadian Open, which begins next week, August 7th.
The news of him withdrawing made the rounds today before a statement came out sometime later. In the statement for the National Bank Open, Shapovalov confirms that he tried everything to be ready and play his home event, but ultimately it, was not enough time. The knee needs more time to be ready.
"I’m really disappointed to announce my withdrawal from the National Bank Open in Toronto. I’ve been doing everything possible to get my knee healthy and be able to compete, but unfortunately it needs more time."
The withdrawal was surprising, especially because the Canadian Open is his home tournament for Shapovalov, and missing it means that he won't get to see fans in his home country until 2024, unless he competes at the Laver Cup, which is held in Canada this year.
"There’s no greater honor than playing at your home tournament and I will really miss playing in Toronto. I’m going to keep focusing on getting healthy and I know I’ll see you all in Canada next year."
While on the court, things haven't been going that well, off the court, it's been pretty solid for Shapovalov. He's a very happy man who is engaged as of recently to his long-time girlfriend, Mirjam Bjorklund. The tennis pairing has been together for a long time but have been rather low-key with their relationship.
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