Canada suffers blow as Denis Shapovalov pulls out of Davis Cup Finals

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Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov has pulled out of the Davis Cup as he feels his body needs a break and he believes that's the right thing to do.. Shapovalov, 22, has been playing the Davis Cup since the start of his career and he insists he really wanted to represent Canada at this year's Davis Cup Finals.

Shapovalov made his Davis Cup debut even before turning 18 as he played his first Davis Cup match in 2016. "I will not play the Davis Cup. I still love to play and represent my country, but I need a break in the offseason.

Throughout a career, priorities and motivations change. I was planning to participate until this week. But I've played so much tennis this season. I have a hard time motivating myself. I don’t think the right thing for me to do right now is to continue and play other tournaments," Shapovalov said, per We Love Tennis.

Shapovalov's.season finished in Stockholm

Shapovalov had a good week in Stockholm but it didn't end with a title.. Shapovalov, who was seeded at No. 3, was beaten by Tommy Paul in the final. Paul beat Shapovalov 6-4 2-6 6-4 to win his maiden ATP title.

"played some of my best tennis to beat Denis," said Paul. "It's the most fun I've had playing a tennis tournament. It means everything to win my first title. I've worked so hard to achieve this and I'd like to break into the Top 30 at some point." Shapovalov, the 2019 Stockholm champion, said Paul deserved to win his first ATP title.

"Tommy played unbelievably all week, so it was just a matter of time before he lifted a trophy," said Shapovalov. "I've had a great season with two finals [also Gonet Geneva Open], so I hope to keep working my way up the [FedEx ATP] Rankings next year."