On Tuesday, July 15, Ivana Nedvěd, the girlfriend of American tennis player Sebastian Korda, spent a warm afternoon with Swedish tennis professional Mirjam Björklund, who is engaged to Denis Shapovalov. The duo was accompanied by a furry friend during their outing.
Ivana shared a charming photo on her Instagram stories showing their dog comfortably settled in the back of a car, highlighting a calm moment during their day together. This relaxed gathering allowed the two tennis insiders to enjoy some quality time with their beloved pet.
Ivana Nedved and Mirjam Björklund’s Roles Beyond Tennis
Ivana Nedved is not only known as Sebastian Korda’s partner but also as a model and lifestyle influencer with a growing audience across Europe. She frequently posts about fashion, travel, and glimpses into the tennis world through her social media channels. Meanwhile, Mirjam Björklund is steadily making her mark as an emerging tennis player, reaching a career-high WTA ranking of No. 123 on June 20, 2022.
Mirjam Björklund and Denis Shapovalov Welcome a New Pet to Their Home
The dog featured in Ivana’s Instagram story belongs to Mirjam Björklund and her fiancé, Denis Shapovalov. Earlier this year in February, the couple added a poodle named Yatzy to their family. This new furry member has become a fixture even during their tennis practices at the IMG Academy.
Denis Shapovalov shared a playful picture while practicing, showing Yatzy nestled inside his tennis bag with one of his Yonex rackets firmly held in his mouth. His caption added humor to the moment:
Mirjam also posted a tender story of Yatzy settled comfortably in the car, ready to head to the tennis court. She wrote:
“Let’s go to practice.”
Shapovalov’s Reflections and Recent Victory at the Dallas Open
Before competing in the 2025 Dallas Open final, Denis Shapovalov spoke about the joy their new puppy brought to their lives, saying,
“We just got a puppy. I have Mirjam here with the dog and with the hotel being so close, I’m really just able to disconnecct and enjoy the area here.”
Shapovalov went on to triumph in the tournament, defeating Casper Ruud 7–6(7–5), 6–3 in the final match. This victory marked a notable achievement, as he became the first tennis player since Nick Kyrgios at the 2019 Mexican Open to overcome the top three seeds and three top-10 opponents on the road to claiming an ATP 500 title.
Growing Bonds Between Tennis Pros and Their Pets
The day shared by Ivana Nedved and Mirjam Björklund captures the close relationships tennis stars often form with their pets, which offer comfort and normalcy amid their busy schedules. With both women advancing their careers and managing personal lives, these moments highlight the balance they seek through companionship and leisure. As these athletes continue to compete and make strides in their professions, their connection with family and pets remains a cherished element of their routine.