Canada's top male tennis players put on a stellar performance at the Davis Cup Finals, sweeping Finland 3-0 and snatching victory on September 12, 2024. The trio of Denis Shapovalov, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and the doubles team of Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime showcased their prowess on the court, demonstrating why they are among the best on the international stage.
The action kicked off with Shapovalov, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, who faced off against Finland's Eero Vasa. It was no easy feat, but Shapovalov prevailed with scores of 7-6 (2), 6-2. The first set went to a tiebreak, where Shapovalov's precision and power allowed him to dominate Vasa, winning the tiebreak after capitalizing on several errors from his opponent, including double faults.
“Definitely happy to get the win,” Shapovalov said after sealing his match. “I think Eero picked up his level, but I was able to keep it going after winning the first set, which really helped me loosen up the grip.” His performance was marked by exceptional serving, winning 84 percent of his first serve points and only facing two break points throughout the match.
Next up was Félix Auger-Aliassime from Montreal, who faced Otto Virtanen. Auger-Aliassime wasted no time, clinching the match with comfort, taking it 6-2, 6-3. His victory not only secured the win for Canada but also avenged the loss they suffered against Finland during the 2023 quarterfinals. Much like Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime showcased remarkable service skills, winning 86 percent of his first serve points, and he didn’t drop his serve once during this match.
“Tennis is tough, and days like this during the year don’t happen all the time. I’m going to enjoy myself today,” said Auger-Aliassime, radiantly acknowledging the support from his teammates and the cheering fans.
With the singles matches already clinched, the stage was set for the doubles showdown. Teaming up, Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime faced Finland's duo of Harri Heliovaara and Otto Virtanen. The Canadians maintained their momentum, securing another victory with ease, finishing the match 6-2, 7-5. Their teamwork was evident, and they broke serve four times, demonstrating synergy on the court.
“It was phenomenal. Just a really clean day,” said Canadian team captain Frank Dancevic, expressing his pride and satisfaction with his players' performances. The teamwork and spirit were palpable, with spectators cheering them on fervently.
This latest win is significant as it marks Canada’s fifth consecutive appearance at the Davis Cup Finals, having clinched their only title back in 2022. Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime, and their counterparts have helped solidify Canada's status as a formidable force on the tennis scene.
After the match, the players emphasized the importance of maintaining focus rather than dwelling on past defeats. When asked about the revenge factor after last year’s defeat, Auger-Aliassime noted, “I didn’t even think about the loss last November. We have a full team this year, and everybody’s improved.”
With the competition heating up, Canada now stands tall as the only seeded team within Group D. Following their wins against both Argentina and now Finland, they are well on track for the Finals, scheduled to be held later this year in Malaga, Spain. The current fate of Canada also hinges on their upcoming match against host Great Britain scheduled for Sunday.
“I just worried about match-by-match, focusing on the players playing on the day,” Dancevic said. That approach seems to have paid off, as Canada heads toward potential success. Fans can look forward to more exhilarating tennis as the tournament progresses.
Australia and Germany also had their matches, with Germany sweeping Chile 3-0, showcasing their skill on the court. Maximilian Marterer, Yannick Hanfmann, Kevin Krawetz, and Tim Puetz proved exceptional, keeping their runs consistent. The Netherlands also marked their first win against Brazil, making the tournament competitive across the board.
The Davis Cup remains one of tennis's most celebrated competitions, providing spectators with thrilling moments, and this year's edition has not disappointed. This is just the beginning for Team Canada as they prepare to continue their quest for victory.
With fans cheering and the players firing on all cylinders, Canada’s tennis stars are ready to take on Great Britain and solidify their spot among the best teams globally. The upcoming matches will be pivotal for putting their skill on the global stage once more.
