Denis Shapovalov on wife’s support on and off the court: ‘It’s very important that I have her’ | ATP Tour
Racquets and relationships
Shapovalov on wife’s support on and off the court: ‘It’s very important that I have her’
Shapovalov shows importance of life partner in new ‘Racquets & Relationships’ series
March 08, 2026
Karin Lundin @karinlundinstudio
Mirjam Shapovalova (formerly Bjorklund) and Denis Shapovalov got married on 9 September 2025.
Written by Andrew Eichenholz
Denis Shapovalov will face World No. 2 Jannik Sinner Sunday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. They have split their previous two Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings and the Canadian will come out swinging after surviving a thrilling second-round tie against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Everyone will be focused on Shapovalov’s high-flying game and trying to upset the second seed, who is chasing his first Indian Wells title. Regardless of what happens in Indian Wells or in the coming weeks, Shapovalov’s wife and muse, Mirjam Shapovalova (formerly Bjorklund), will be there to support him.
“It is very important because we are tennis players, but we are also people, and we face many things in life that are not even related to tennis,” said Shapovalov. “Having someone who can pick you up and help you through difficult times, that’s very important for anyone to have.”
It hasn’t always been easy in recent years for Shapovalov, a former major semifinalist who rose to No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Now the World No. 39, the lefty has shown resilience and determination to try to regain her best form, and Shapovalova has been by her side every step of the way.
“I think he is the person I talk to the most about everything, especially about difficult things,” said Shapovalov. “I feel like I don’t tell too many people what I’m going through at the time. I feel like you’re one of the people who helps me and goes through everything with me.”
It helps that Shapovalova herself was a successful tennis player. The Swede reached a career-high No. 123 in the PIF WTA Rankings and earned her way into three major tournaments between 2022 and 2023. They don’t exaggerate tennis discussions.
“He helps me a lot. He was a very smart player. He sees the game well, and he knows me well,” Shapovalov said. “So we talk a lot about my game, what I should be doing, little adjustments I might be making, and he’s been helping me on the court a little bit since the Australian Open. He’s definitely had a big impact on it.”
Denis Shapovalov and Mirjam Bjorklund got married at Lesante Cape in Zakynthos, Greece.” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/09/19/21/20/shapovalov-wedding-wedding-photos”>0 jp=0.
Photos: Karin Lundin @karinlundinstudio
Shapovalova not only supports her husband, but helps to pressure him when needed on the court. According to Canada, he is “very difficult”.
“I wouldn’t say he has high demands, but he definitely wants a lot without practice and stuff like that. He wants me to try things, and that’s good,” Shapovalov said. “Not a lot of people are demanding, so I enjoy that. And I feel like we can really analyze things and break things down. It’s really helpful to have someone who is really detail-oriented.”
Shapovalova ended her playing career last year due to injury. It was important for Shapovalov that their relationship does not include one-way support, but that he is always there for his wife, too. That was true even when Shapovalova was playing, her husband-to-be always sat on the courts whenever possible.
“I have always wanted to help him, you can see how determined he is, especially since he has stopped playing,” said Shapovalov. “I think a lot of his life revolves around me, so I think it’s important to have an equal relationship, and I like to support him. I thought it’s nice to have someone who lives the same life as me. I think we both do a good job of, I don’t want to say sacrifice, but making an effort with each other.”
Denis and Mirjam started dating in 2019 and six months ago they got married. Win or lose on the court, they have always stuck together and grown together.
“I think it’s very important that I have him,” Shapovalov said. “I think we do a good job of speaking up and speaking in a way that helps us grow as people. I know I’m not perfect, and he really helps me want to be better and work on myself every day.”
Racquets & Relationships is a new series on ATPtour.com where ATP Tour players discuss their life partners, their influence on and off the court, and more.
