Denis Shapovalov: "Can't imagine tennis players trying to trash talk"

Denis Shapovalov is the latest player to give his opinion on trash talk in the game. The tennis world has been abuzz about the introduction of trash talk in the game over the last few days after Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff stated that it would make the sport more "interesting."

Tennis is usually considered to be a gentleman’s sport. Players rarely interact with each other during matches. However, with the younger generation of players coming in, opinions on the game are changing.

In a recent Q&A with fans on social media, Denis Shapovalov was asked about his opinion on smack-talking in the sport. The 23-year-old seemed open to the idea but added that he could not imagine players doing it.

“Why not??” he wrote on Instagram. “But I cannot imagine tennis players trying to trash talk,” he concluded with a laughing emoji.

Shapovalov can't imagine tennis players trash talking

The World No. 29, who recently pulled out of the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters, also shared some advice for aspiring young players.

“Be prepared to work really hard, but also don’t forget to enjoy the work,” Shapovalov adviced.

The 23-year-old further spoke about how it was important to ignore negative comments and focus on support and being able to connect with people when asked about how he deals with haters on social media.

When asked which celebrity he would like to play doubles with, Shapovalov joked that partnering with comedian Kevin Hart would be "awesome."

Shapovalov's answers in Q&A

Denis Shapovalov follows Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Felix Auger-Aliassime in withdrawing from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters

Denis Shapovalov out of 2023 Monte Carlo Masters

On the tennis side of things, the Canadian youngster has withdrawn from the non-mandatory ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte-Carlo. Shapovalov followed the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Felix Auger-Aliassime in pulling out of the event.

Denis Shapovalov has played in Monte-Carlo only twice so far, facing first-round exits in both 2018 and 2019. Unlike the aforementioned trio who withdrew due to injuries, the 23-year-old’s withdrawal is most likely to be more of a schedule preference.

The World No. 29’s exit has made way for Andy Murray to enter the main draw, who confirmed his participation in the event.

The Canadian, meanwhile, is expected to begin his clay campaign at the ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona, which will be played the week after Monte-Carlo.

Along with Nadal, Alcaraz, Auger-Aliassime, and Shapovalov, Pablo Carreno Busta, Sebastian Korda, Gael Monfils, Fabio Fognini and Yoshihito Nishioka have also withdrawn from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.