Canadian tennis player Denis Shapovalov highlighted the fundamental role of his wife, former player Mirjam Bjorklund, in the recent improvement of his performance on the professional circuit. Ele is going through a moment of transition after ending its partnership with coach Mikael Tillstrom a few weeks ago. Bjorklund started to help him directly on the court, especially during the preparation and participation in the Dubai tournament, where the couple resides.
Shapovalov is coming off a semi-final in the Dallas tournament and now competes in the Dubai Tennis Championships, an ATP 500. Ele faces Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round. The Canadian currently occupies position 36 in the ATP rankings and is looking for greater consistency to return to the top 10, a level he reached in 2020.
Technical support and court knowledge
Mirjam Bjorklund, who retired from professional tennis last year at the age of 27 due to injuries, brings experience from the WTA circuit. X__NM1____
Shapovalov praised her deep understanding of her game. The couple has constant conversations about tactics and technical adjustments. Essas guidelines contributed to the good results in Dallas and should be applied in the current tournament in Dubai.
Bjorklund is part of her husband’s support team at the Emirados Árabes event. Ela provides immediate feedback and analysis of aspects of his performance on the court. The tennis player described his wife as a secret weapon, both in sport and in his personal life.
Transition phase in the coaching team
The Canadian stopped collaborating with Mikael Tillstrom recently. Essa change required rapid adaptations to the training routine and strategies. Bjorklund assumed on-court coaching duties during this interim period.
Shapovalov has lived in Dubai with his wife for some time. The proximity makes it easier to monitor his progress daily. The tennis player values the ease with which she intervenes, thanks to the mutual knowledge built over the years.
The couple has been together since 2019 and got married in September last year, in a ceremony at Grécia. Essa personal stability is reflected in the balance that Bjorklund provides her husband during professional challenges.
Recent trajectory and goals on the circuit
Shapovalov, former world number 10 and Wimbledon semifinalist in 2021, has struggled to maintain regularity since 2023, when he dropped out of the top 20. The semifinals in Dallas represent a positive sign this season.
He has four wins and three losses in 2026 so far. The focus is on gaining consistency to compete for bigger titles again. The support of Bjorklund appears as a key element in this gradual recovery.
The Canadian tennis player intends to use recent lessons to advance in Dubai. The first round against Carreno Busta tests the new features incorporated into his game.
Bjorklund’s experience on the women’s circuit
Bjorklund competed on all surfaces and qualified for Grand Slams main draws. Apesar not having won games in these main stages, he accumulated relevant victories at lower levels and WTA.
His career was interrupted by recurring injuries. Após retirement, she directs her knowledge to support her husband. Shapovalov highlights the quality of her contributions in recent weeks.
Her involvement goes beyond the technical. The tennis player considers her an essential partner to maintain focus and motivation on a daily basis.
Outlook for the tournament in Dubai
Shapovalov enters Dubai Tennis Championships without being seeded. Ele arrives with confidence after the performance in Dallas. The tournament offers the opportunity to gain important points in the rankings.
Bjorklund continues to be present during the competition. The couple resides locally, which allows for optimized preparation. The Canadian hopes that the recent adjustments will generate significant results in the bracket.
The ATP 500 of Dubai brings together high-level players. Shapovalov seeks to overcome the first round and move forward to consolidate the improvement observed recently.
