Canada claims Davis Cup triumph
FELIX Auger-aliassime and Denis Shapovalov fulfilled their childhood dreams on Sunday as they sealed tennis history for Canada by claiming a first Davis Cup title by beating Australia 2-0 in Malaga.
World No.6 Auger-aliassime eased past Alex De Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to give Canada the trophy in Sunday’s final at the expense of 28-time winners Australia.
Earlier, Shapovalov had given Canada – finalists in 2019, but beaten by Spain – the first point with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“The emotions are tough to describe,” said 22-year-old Auger-aliassime.
“Denis and I grew up together dreaming of these types of stage, dreaming of winning the Davis
Cup. It’s a great moment for myself and for the country.”
De Minaur, ranked 24, paid for failing to convert any of his eight break points, hitting just five winners.
Auger-aliassime relied on his consistent serve with six aces and solid baseline play.
Shapovalov meanwhile was fuelled by his desire for a first singles win this week.
“Two tough losses this week and I’m very happy with the way I played today to get the win,” said the 23-year-old.
“It helped me being in the final before. Last time it was all kind of new, we were relieved just to be there, but today we’re very much going for the trophy.”
The 18th-ranked Canadian had been out of sorts in a semifinal defeat to Italy on Saturday but hit back against Kokkinakis with 23 winners to the Australian’s five.
“It was tough to lose in 2019, it was an empty feeling and we wanted it badly this time,” said Shapovalov.
Canada’s 2-0 unassailable lead meant the final doubles rubber was not played.