Raonic beats de Bakker to start Davis Cup

TORONTO — Milos Raonic beat Thiemo de Bakker in three sets to give Canada a 1-0 advantage over the Netherlands on Friday in the first rubber of their Davis Cup draw.

Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., overpowered de Bakker 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, relying on his big serve for 21 aces to the Dutchman’s two.

Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., faced Robin Haase later Friday in the second singles rubber of the World Group playoffs (and trailed 2-1 at press time).

Toronto’s Daniel Nestor and Vancouver’s Vasek Pospisil will team up on Saturday in the doubles rubber.

The singles matchups will reverse for play on Sunday.