It had been almost two years since each Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov performed for Canada on the Davis Cup, nevertheless it felt like outdated occasions on Tuesday in Manchester.
The final time each Canadians performed for his or her nation was a historic day in November 2022 when every man scored a straight-set win to seal Canada’s first-ever Davis Cup title.
Virtually two years later, this time within the group stage, the end result was the identical because the pair received their singles matches in straight units to open Canada’s 2024 group stage marketing campaign with a win over Argentina.
“It’s been a superb begin,” mentioned Auger-Aliassime in his post-match press convention on Tuesday. “The crew spirit was excessive. Everyone was glad to be again on the crew that received two years in the past so I believe each crew is ready for a superb week of tennis.”
“All in all a extremely good day. To get by means of 2-1 with a win, I’m fairly pleased with the day,” mirrored captain Frank Dancevic on the finish of the day. Of his gamers’ efficiency, he mentioned, “Denis began off rather well, bought the momentum going. Felix performed a tremendous match, did what he needed to do.”
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Each Canadian singles gamers had been rightfully pleased with their performances.
“I undoubtedly really feel nice, at all times a extremely good feeling to get Canada on the board,” mentioned Shapovalov after taking the opening level of the tie. “It’s been some time since I performed Davis Cup, final time I performed we had received the competitors. It was nice to be again on the market and to deliver such a excessive degree at this time was superb.”
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“Excellent match, I’m glad. Any win is sweet and I’m actually pleased with my degree,” expressed Auger-Aliassime. “I at all times attempt to come again sturdy after a tricky loss and it was powerful in New York for me so it was good to get the win right here, to get 2-0 for Canada, and let’s see how the week goes. It’s a superb begin for us.”
Neither Canadian has been at their finest for the reason that 2022 victory, with accidents and inconsistency stopping them from enjoying at their highest degree for an prolonged time frame. However they had been capable of finding the fitting gear on Tuesday as they each dominated their Argentinian opponents.
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“When you take a look at my rating, it’s not the place it needs to be However I’ve been enjoying nicely and I’m tremendous pleased with the win at this time. All the time glad to get the purpose for Canada,” mentioned Shapovalov.
The 2 wins had been eerily related. Each completed the primary set with a break and raced out to 4-0 leads within the second, solely to see their runs come to an finish within the fifth recreation when their serve was damaged. However each nonetheless completed sturdy to clinch the tie for Canada, with the 2 matches mixed taking simply over three hours.
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After their victories on Tuesday, every man praised the opposite.
“I’ve a number of confidence in Felix. I at all times imagine in him,” mentioned Shapovalov. “If he can deliver a superb degree, he can beat virtually any participant on this planet.”
“It was an ideal effort from Denis an effective way to start out the day, to start out the week,” mentioned Auger-Aliassime. “It’s at all times higher to reach with a win in your pocket. Everyone seems to be happy with our effort.”
Staff Canada has been a pressure when each Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are on the crew going all of the again to the juniors when the pair teamed as much as win the Junior Davis Cup in 2015. Canada has received 10 of 11 Davis Cup ties on the senior degree when each males are on the roster, together with Tuesday’s win over Argentina.
The lone loss was the 2019 last towards a Rafael Nadal-led Spain in Madrid.
They may look to assert win No. 11 on Thursday towards Finland. Auger-Aliassime was on the crew that misplaced to the Finns final November within the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup Closing 8, however Shapovalov missed the knockout stage with a knee harm.
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