Denis Shapovalov has clinched his second professional title after a remarkable run at the Belgrade Open, defeating rising Serbian talent Hamad Medjedovic in a hard-fought final. The victory marks a major milestone for the Canadian, who had to navigate a challenging path through the tournament qualifiers before ultimately emerging as the champion. By winning seven consecutive matches, Shapovalov not only secured the title but also saw his ranking surge to World No. 56, the highest it has been in two years.
The triumph is a long-awaited moment for Shapovalov, who last tasted victory more than five years ago at the 2019 Stockholm Open. In that tournament, he claimed his first professional title by defeating Serbian player Filip Krajinovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Since then, the road back to another trophy has been anything but smooth for the former World No. 10. In the intervening years, he endured a frustrating streak of five consecutive finals losses, including a memorable defeat to Novak Djokovic at the 2019 Paris Masters. This prolonged drought in titles tested Shapovalov’s resilience, but his recent win in Belgrade signals a potential turning point in his career.
Shapovalov’s journey to this second title was far from easy and highlighted both his tenacity and skill. After fighting through the qualifiers to make it to the main draw, he demonstrated an impressive level of play throughout the tournament. His path to the final was filled with challenges, including matches against higher-seeded opponents like Nuno Borges, the tournament’s fifth seed, and Jiri Lehecka, the fourth seed. Shapovalov dispatched both without major difficulties, showcasing his powerful serve, relentless baseline play, and newfound mental toughness. His performance in Belgrade offers a glimpse of the potential that once made him one of the brightest young stars on the ATP Tour.
The Belgrade Open final was a true battle, as Shapovalov faced off against Hamad Medjedovic, a rising Serbian star who has quickly gained a reputation as one of the sport’s future contenders. The match was an intense affair, with both players trading powerful groundstrokes and engaging in extended rallies. Shapovalov’s experience ultimately gave him the edge, as he managed to outmaneuver his opponent in key moments. His victory was sealed with a combination of aggressive shot-making and well-timed precision, earning him the title after a grueling week of competition.
For Shapovalov, reaching the final in Belgrade was already a significant accomplishment. It marked his first final appearance since the 2022 Vienna Open, where he was defeated by Daniil Medvedev. The past few seasons have been particularly challenging for the 25-year-old, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading to a drop in his ranking and confidence. At one point, he found himself outside the top 100—a stark contrast to the expectations set by his early career success. However, his performance in Belgrade suggests that Shapovalov may be on the verge of a resurgence, rediscovering the form that once made him a feared competitor on the ATP Tour.
Shapovalov’s victory at the Belgrade Open comes at a crucial juncture in his career, as he looks to build on this momentum and reestablish himself among the world’s elite players. His resurgence is particularly important as he prepares to take on another major challenge—leading Team Canada in the Davis Cup. With Felix Auger-Aliassime absent from the squad due to injury, Shapovalov will need to step up and shoulder much of the responsibility for his country. The Davis Cup represents not only an opportunity for Shapovalov to continue his strong play but also a chance to solidify his role as a leader within Canadian tennis.
Reflecting on his victory in Belgrade, Shapovalov expressed his gratitude for the support he has received and his determination to keep improving. “It’s been a long road to get here, but I’m proud of the work I’ve put in,” he said during the trophy ceremony. “I want to thank my team, my fans, and everyone who has believed in me. This title is for all of us.”
The Canadian’s victory at the Belgrade Open is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. After years of setbacks and near-misses, Shapovalov’s ability to rise again and capture a title underscores his resilience and passion for the game. As he looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. The Belgrade Open victory may be just the beginning of a new era for Denis Shapovalov—one defined not by struggles, but by triumphs and a renewed commitment to excellence.