Shapovalov on verge of return to top 50 after Belgrade title win

Denis Shapovalov said he’s delighted to have begun climbing the rankings again after winning just his second ATP Tour title – and first since 2019 – with victory in Belgrade.

The 25-year-old Canadian, known to UTS fans as “Shapo”, came through qualifying and beat Hamad Medjedovic in the final in Belgrade, where Novak Djokovic presented him with the title.

It is Shapovalov’s first title since his debut win in Stockholm in 2019 and moves him back up to No 56 in the ATP rankings, which will be officially updated on Monday. He missed the second half of 2023 with a knee injury and has slowly been regaining top form.

“It has been a good season for me, just been healthy and back on court,” he said, according to the ATP Tour. “It takes time to climb back up the rankings. A week like this will help a lot.”

Shapovalov will sign off his season at the UTS Grand Final in London next month, where he will try to win the coveted Zeus Trophy.