It’s the end of an incredibly successful era for Vasek Pospisil with Canada’s Davis Cup team. The 34-year-old announced that his doubles match against Hungary was the final one of a Davis Cup career that will go down in Canadian tennis history.
He went out in style with a vintage performance alongside Liam Draxl to keep his squad alive in the Qualifiers First Round tie at IGA Stadium. It was another shining moment for Pospisil in Montreal, a city that has always embraced him and been the site of many memories, including his first Masters 1000 semi-final at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in 2013. Pospisil’s achievements in tennis are numerous, including a Grand Slam doubles title at Wimbledon in 2014 with Jack Sock, but Davis Cup was always the tournament that meant the most to him.
“Davis Cup has had such a big impact on my career and life. Winning in 2022, I don’t think I have ever wanted to win anything more then that title we won there,” Pospisil reminisced about Canada being crowned world champions. “I felt like that was a really big, big moment for me.”
Fifteen years of loyalty, 35 ties, and 33 wins, including 18 in doubles, is the stuff Davis Cup legends are made of and Pospisil certainly qualifies. It’s fitting that his curtain call came alongside his heir apparent, Draxl, who rose to the occasion in his Team Canada debut, 17 years after getting his picture taken with Pospisil at the U12 Eddie Herr junior tournament in Florida. It was the veteran passing the torch to the rookie, the same way Daniel Nestor paved the way for Pospisil. The prolific pair played 11 Davis Cup doubles matches together before Nestor retired, leaving Pospisil to take over the reins.
“I was so comfortable out there just knowing that Vasek was leading the team, that’s how I felt, and I guess that brought a good level out of me,” Draxl said. “It was just super comforting playing in a big match, down 2-0, him (Vasek) making the calls and I was trusting everything he was telling me out there. I think there was a lot of trust out there and I definitely believed in Vasek’s level and knowledge on the court. I was just kind of following his lead and trying to do the best I could.”
Famous for his infectious energy on the court through the years and ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, Pospisil suddenly found himself on the receiving end of that passion and desire playing next to Draxl for the first time.
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“I felt so comfortable out there with Liam which speaks volumes for both his skill and energy, it’s an amazing combination,” Pospisil explained. I felt like he’s been there for years, I felt like we had played together many times. He’s a great kid; a super hard worker and he’s playing great. He’s got a great future ahead and there’s no question he’ll be on the team for many years playing doubles.”
There’s no question that Pospisil will be missed by his teammates. His presence was significant and the legacy he leaves behind will be felt for generations to come.
“Amazing guy, amazing career. We’re going to miss him for sure on the team,” said captain Frank Dancevic. “He brought a lot of value to the team with his singles and doubles play and his charisma, on and off the court.”
