Home » Tennis » Who is Attila Balazs? 34-year-old replaces injured Denis Shapovalov at the 2023 US Open

Here’s everything you should know about Attila Balazs – the Hungarian set to replace Shapovalov at the US Open

Former quarterfinalist in New York, Denis Shapovalov, has sadly withdrawn from this year’s event. The Canadian had been one of six players men’s singles players with injury concerns before the US Open. Canada’s #2 player has been struggling with a knee injury since Wimbledon. Shapovalov said the following in a part of a statement: “Despite doing everything possible to be 100% healthy for the US Open, my knee needs more time and I sadly have to withdraw…. I’m really going to miss playing in front of the fans this year!”

Denis Shapovalov's Instagram Story
Denis Shapovalov’s Instagram Story

Shapovalov has been replaced in the main draw by Attila Balazs. The 34-year-old Hungarian will make just his sixth Grand Slam appearance, and second at the US Open. Balazs is currently ranked #101 in the world, and his story is quite an inspiring one of an experienced player not giving up on his dream. He currently has just one Grand Slam win, which came on his favoured clay courts at the French Open in 2020.

What are the highlights of Attila Balazs’ career till date?

Attila Balazs, a Hungarian professional tennis player, has made a mark in the world of tennis through his professional career spanning over two decades. Born on September 27, 1988, Balazs initially gained attention as a junior player, showcasing his talent and determination. As he transitioned to the professional circuit, he displayed versatility on various court surfaces, demonstrating his proficiency on both clay and hard courts. Throughout his career, Balazs has showcased resilience in the face of challenges, including injuries and tough opponents.

Attila Balazs
Attila Balazs

Balazs’ breakthrough moments came when he achieved success on the ATP Challenger Tour, securing titles and steadily climbing the rankings. His consistent performance and competitive spirit earned him opportunities to compete in Grand Slam tournaments, where he faced off against some of the best players in the world. Balazs’ style of play is characterized by his strong groundstrokes and strategic shot placement, allowing him to engage in intense rallies and capitalize on his opponents’ weaknesses.

Balazs reached his highest singles ATP ranking at No. 76 on 2 March 2020. He holds the title of being a seven-time Hungarian National Tennis Champion, following in the footsteps of Béla von Kehrling, József Asbóth, and István Gulyás. He notably stands as the fourth Hungarian athlete to secure victory in a minimum of 6 consecutive National Championships.

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