Canada claims its 1st Davis Cup title

Felix Auger-Aliassime fell to his back behind the baseline, then waited for teammates to race off Canada’s bench and pile on top of him. A few minutes later, the Canadians finally could lift the Davis Cup. “We’ve all dreamt of this moment,” Auger-Aliassime said. Canada won the title for the first time Sunday, beating Australia behind victories from Denis Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime. With a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur, Auger-Aliassime secured the winning point. Shapovalov opened the day by rolling past Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2, 6-4. Seven years after leading Canada to the top of junior tennis, Auger-Aliassime, Shapovalov and their teammates finally got to lift the biggest team trophy in their sport. “We wanted to grow up and be part of the team and try to help the country win the first title,” Shapovalov said. Auger-Aliassime finished off his superb second half of the season by completing a perfect week in Malaga, Spain. He twice had kept the Canadians alive after Shapovalov dropped the opening singles match, and on Saturday he replaced his weary teammate to join Vasek Pospisil for the decisive doubles point. Canada had reached the final only once, falling to host Spain in Madrid in 2019.