Denis Shapovalov Withdraws From 2025 UTS Guadalajara With Injury
News
Fans in Mexico will not be able to watch the in-form Denis Shapovalov at the 2025 Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Guadalajara because he has withdrawn with an injury.
Shapovalov played some of the best tennis of his career to win last week's 2025 Dallas Open title. He defeated Casper Ruud in the final and last year's US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz to reign supreme at the tournament.
The Canadian struggled to be consistent throughout much of 2024. It seemed like he would have a season to forget until he won the Serbia Open in Belgrade in his final appearance of the season.
Shapovalov seemed to use that momentum in Dallas. That meant many fans would have been particularly excited to watch him at UTS Guadalajara, which runs from February 14th to 16th in Mexico.
In a statement, Shapovalov revealed he has been dealing with back pain since the latter stages of the Dallas Open and had not recovered well enough to play at the exhibition event, known for its unique format compared to ATP tournaments.
"I am really disappointed but I have to withdraw from UTS Guadalajara. I have been dealing with some back pain since the end of my week in Dallas, and unfortunately it is still hurting today, and I am not fit to play yet. It is very frustrating because I love to compete in UTS events, and I was super excited to come to Guadalajara."
"I had even changed my February schedule in order to be at UTS Guadalajara. I did my best to recover in time, but it’s not just possible – my sincere apologies to UTS fans – I can't wait to see you very soon."
Shapovalov's history of injury issues means being cautious is understandable and wise. He missed the final few months of the 2023 season after Wimbledon because of a severe injury that took longer to heal than he expected.
Finding his rhythm again after that injury was difficult, and it took him several months to reach the level that fans witnessed in Dallas. Hopefully, his back problem is minor and does not hinder him for the rest of 2025.
Richard Gasquet has replaced Denis Shapovalov on the UTS entry list. The Frenchman is in the final season of his superb career after announcing last year that he will retire after the 2025 French Open.
Gasquet has already said goodbye to home tournaments at the Montpellier Open and the Marseille Open. The 38-year-old has now been given one more chance to play in Latin America before he retires in a few months at the French Open.
Fans in Mexico have not witnessed Gasquet and his iconic one-handed backhand since his appearance at the 2010 Mexican Open in Acapulco. Returning after 15 years before he bids farewell to professional tennis should be a nice moment for him.
The UTS is always a fun event that is enjoyed by players and fans. It should be no different in Guadalajara because top players like Casper Ruud and Jakub Mensik have committed to the event.
