Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime lead Canada to 2-1 win over Argentina at Davis Cup

MANCHESTER — Canada has defeated Argentina 2-1 on the Davis Cup.

Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., beat Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-3 within the first singles rubber match on Tuesday in Group D motion on the AO Area. Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime then topped Sebastian Baez 6-3, 6-3 within the second singles match.

Shapovalov and Vancouver’s Vasek Pospisil fell 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in doubles motion in opposition to Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni to shut the tie.

“I really feel nice,” Shapovalov mentioned. “The final time I performed within the Davis Cup, we received the competitors, so it was good to be again and enjoying at such a excessive stage.

“I have been enjoying effectively all yr and I wish to construct on this now.”

In singles, Shapovalov had a back-and-forth affair within the first set that noticed Cerundolo tie it up after being down 4-2 and tying it once more at 5-5 earlier than Shapovalov received the ultimate two video games.

Within the second set, Shapovalov cruised to a 4-0 edge earlier than dropping three of the subsequent 4 video games and finally closing it out.

The 25-year-old broke on all 4 of his alternatives whereas firing 5 aces and successful 70 per cent of his first-serve factors. Shapovalov additionally edged out Cerundolo with 13 winners to seven.

Within the second match, Auger-Aliassime got here again from down 3-2 to win the primary set earlier than going up 4-0 within the second. Baez made it robust close to the tip, successful three of the subsequent 4 video games however the 24-year-old Canadian held him off.

Auger-Aliassime had seven aces and received 78 per cent of his first-serve factors whereas breaking on 5 of his 12 probabilities.

“You don’t have any interference from exterior circumstances, no wind and solar, and that is why I will be constant in my groundstrokes in these circumstances,” Auger-Aliassime mentioned.

“It is good to be again within the Davis Cup. There’s a nice feeling with this staff after what we achieved and we wish to attempt to do it once more.”

In doubles, the Canadians received off to a sizzling begin however did not proceed their momentum into the second and third units.

Shapovalov and Pospisil dedicated all six of their double faults between the ultimate two units. The duo additionally dedicated 46 unforced errors to their opponents’ 32, whereas solely breaking on two of 16 alternatives.

Canada, the lone seeded staff in Group D, will subsequent face Finland on Thursday earlier than taking over host Nice Britain on Sunday.

It’s Canada’s fifth consecutive look within the Davis Cup Finals, having received its solely title in 2022. The Canadians defeated South Korea 3-1 in February’s Davis Cup qualifiers in Montreal to achieve the group stage of the finals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Sept. 10, 2024.

The Canadian Press