Tennis news – Denis Shapovalov withdraws from Next Gen Finals

Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov has officially withdrawn from the ATP Next Gen Finals, dealing a blow to both tournament organizers and fans who were eager to see the young talent in action. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over his fitness and form following a season hampered by injuries and inconsistency. Shapovalov, once hailed as one of the sport’s brightest prospects, has been struggling to regain momentum after a series of setbacks that disrupted his rise through the rankings.

The ATP Next Gen Finals, which features the best players aged 21 and under, has become a platform for emerging stars to showcase their potential on a global stage. Shapovalov, now a familiar name on the ATP Tour, had qualified for the event based on his age and ranking. However, his decision to pull out underscores the physical and mental toll the 2025 season has taken on him. Sources close to his camp indicated that the withdrawal was a precautionary measure to prevent further injury and allow for full recovery during the offseason.

This latest development adds to a year of mixed results for Shapovalov. Once ranked as high as world No. 10, the left-hander has seen his ranking dip due to early-round exits and inconsistent performances at key tournaments. His powerful baseline game and flair remain crowd-pleasers, but the lack of match wins has clearly affected his confidence and rhythm. The Canadian’s absence from Milan is not only a personal setback but also deprives the event of a marquee name who has been instrumental in attracting younger audiences to the sport.

In his place, an alternate is expected to join the Next Gen field, which remains strong with players like Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz continuing to lead the charge of the new generation. While Shapovalov’s exit is disappointing, it also serves as a reminder of the physical demands young players face on the professional tour. Fans will now look ahead to 2026, hoping the Canadian can return fully fit and once again challenge the game’s elite.

For now, Denis Shapovalov’s focus shifts to recovery and preparation for the new season. His talent is unquestioned, but translating that potential into consistent results remains the next big hurdle.