Shapovalov headlines Canada’s Davis Cup squad

TORONTO — As far as learning experiences go, Denis Shapovalov endured a doozy the last time he was on court for Canada in Davis Cup play.

The rising tennis star fired a ball in frustration that struck the chair umpire in the face and resulted in a match disqualification last February. Britain advanced with the victory while Canada fell into a qualification playoff.

The 18-year-old Shapovalov will soon get a chance to atone for his actions. He’ll headline a lineup tasked with keeping Canada in the elite World Group for 2018 in next week’s tie against India at Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum.

“For him, that February incident is very far behind him,” Canadian captain Martin Laurendeau told a conference call Tuesday. “He’s had a lot of pressure situations since and he’s shown how he’s improved and how he can manage his emotions through the ups and downs of a match.

“He’s been doing that ever since.”

Shapovalov will be joined by Davis Cup veterans Vasek Pospisil of Vancouver and Toronto’s Daniel Nestor along with first-time nominee Brayden Schnur, also from Toronto. World No. 11 Milos Raonic of Thornhill, Ont., was not available for selection due to a wrist injury.

India previously announced that its roster would include world No. 158 Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan (No. 155), Saketh Myneni (No. 490) and Rohan Bopanna (No. 17 in doubles). The visitors are looking for promotion after spending the last six years at the zone group level.

India defeated Uzbekistan 4-1 in the Asia/Oceania Group I second round last April. Canada, which dropped a 3-2 decision to Britain after the Shapovalov DQ in Ottawa, has played in the 16-team World Group since 2012.