Canadian tennis player Denis Shapovalov has shared how his wife, Mirjam Bjorklund, has played a crucial role in improving his performance this year. Since January 2023, Shapovalov’s ranking has slipped outside the top 20, but his recent results, including a semifinal appearance in Dallas, suggest a positive shift attributed to Bjorklund’s involvement.
Currently residing in Dubai with Bjorklund, Shapovalov revealed that she has taken an active part in assisting his training after he ended his collaboration with coach Mikael Tillstrom. This support appears to be a key factor in his ongoing development and success on the court.
The Impact of Mirjam Bjorklund’s Coaching and Partnership
Shapovalov and Bjorklund have been together since 2019 and got married in September last year. Bjorklund, a former professional tennis player herself, has brought her expertise to Shapovalov’s team, sharing insights and tactical advice during practice sessions.
“Yeah, to be honest I’m a bit kind of in the transition phase,”
Shapovalov said.
“I stopped working with Mikael a couple of weeks ago and she’s been helping me on court since then, especially while I’ve been here in Dubai. So yeah, she knows my game really, really well.”
He added,
“So yeah, she was a player herself, she’s got a great tennis knowledge and yeah she’s…we are always communicating about my game and talking about it, so it’s easy for her to step in and help me out.”
Reflecting on her contributions, Shapovalov praised Bjorklund as a vital part of his progress:
“I think she’s been great, I think a few things she’s given me over these last couple of weeks have been great and they helped in Dallas, so they can help me here as well…Yeah definitely a secret weapon both on and off the court. She’s a great wife, great person, so I’m very lucky in that.”
Bjorklund will be present in Shapovalov’s coaching box at the upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships, where he is set to face Pablo Carreno Busta in the opening round.
Mirjam Bjorklund’s Notable Career Highlights
While Shapovalov has the higher profile, Bjorklund had a solid professional career on the WTA Tour before retiring last year. She reached her peak singles ranking of world number 123 in 2022 and won 10 titles on the ITF circuit.
The Swedish player also earned eight victories on the WTA Tour, including an impressive top-30 win over Elise Mertens in Bogota. Although she never won a main draw match at a Grand Slam event, Bjorklund qualified for major tournaments across all surfaces, showcasing her versatility.
Persistent injuries influenced her decision to retire at 27, as she expressed a desire to pursue new opportunities beyond competitive tennis. Since then, she has dedicated her time to supporting Shapovalov’s career, contributing to his resurgence on the ATP Tour.
The Potential Future Influence of Bjorklund on Shapovalov’s Career
With Mirjam Bjorklund’s growing role in coaching and strategic planning, Denis Shapovalov appears poised to regain his earlier form. Their partnership, both on a personal and professional level, adds a valuable dimension to his preparations and mindset. As Shapovalov competes in Dubai and upcoming tournaments, Bjorklund’s input could be a defining factor in his push to climb back up the rankings and deliver strong performances at the highest level.
