2019 finalist Canada came good to embarrass Australia 2-0 on Sunday with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov leading the outsiders to the Davis Cup trophy in Malaga.
Defeat with losses in both singles rubbers was a heavy blow to Lleyton Hewitt’s Aussies, winners of 28 Cups and second only to the 32 of the US.
The hybrid modern Davis format put in place several seasons ago in a controversial Spanish management takeover cut down the drama factor with best of three set matches and elimination of the popular home-and-away concept.
But the Canadians could hardly be bothered by tradition as the country broke through for a first-ever title in the international team competition.
Shapovalov started the afternoon as he handed Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis a third defeat this week, posting to 6-2, 6-4 result.
That score opened the door for teammate FAA, winner of three ATP titles in three weeks last month.
Canada’s world No. 6 produced the tie-winner as he beat Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and three-quarters.
“The emotions are tough to describe,” the winner said, “Denis and I grew up together, dreaming of these types of stages, dreaming of winning the Davis
Cup. It’s a great moment for myself and for the country.”
.Shapo added: “It was tough to lose in 2019, it was an empty feeling and we wanted it badly this time.”
Canadian Davis veteran Vasek Pospisil was equally thrilled: “We’ve been dreaming about this for several years.
“To be here as world champions, I’m speechless. These guys are not kids any more. They’ve been crushing it.
“You can’t win this event without tremendous team chemistry, going forwards as one unit, and all these guys represent exactly that.”
Main photo:-Felix Auger Aliassime leads Canada’s Davis Cup celebrations ©ATPTour.com
