It had been nearly two years since both Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov played for Canada at the Davis Cup, but it felt like old times on Tuesday in Manchester.
The last time both Canadians played for their country was a historic day in November 2022 when each man scored a straight-set win to seal Canada’s first-ever Davis Cup title.
Almost two years later, this time in the group stage, the result was the same as the pair won their singles matches in straight sets to open Canada’s 2024 group stage campaign with a win over Argentina.
“It’s been a good start,” said Auger-Aliassime in his post-match press conference on Tuesday. “The team spirit was high. Everybody was happy to be back on the team that won two years ago so I think every team is set for a good week of tennis.”
“All in all a really good day. To get through 2-1 with a win, I’m pretty happy with the day,” reflected captain Frank Dancevic at the end of the day. Of his players’ performance, he said, “Denis started off really well, got the momentum going. Felix played an amazing match, did what he had to do.”
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Both Canadian singles players were rightfully happy with their performances.
“I definitely feel great, always a really good feeling to get Canada on the board,” said Shapovalov after taking the opening point of the tie. “It’s been a while since I played Davis Cup, last time I played we had won the competition. It was great to be back out there and to bring such a high level today was amazing.”
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“Very good match, I’m happy. Any win is good and I’m really happy with my level,” expressed Auger-Aliassime. “I always try to come back strong after a tough loss and it was tough in New York for me so it was good to get the win here, to get 2-0 for Canada, and let’s see how the week goes. It’s a good start for us.”
Neither Canadian has been at their best since the 2022 victory, with injuries and inconsistency preventing them from playing at their highest level for an extended period of time. But they were able to find the right gear on Tuesday as they both dominated their Argentinian opponents.
“If you look at my ranking, it’s not where it should be But I’ve been playing well and I’m super happy with the win today. Always happy to get the point for Canada,” said Shapovalov.
The two wins were eerily similar. Both finished the first set with a break and raced out to 4-0 leads in the second, only to see their runs come to an end in the fifth game when their serve was broken. But both still finished strong to clinch the tie for Canada, with the two matches combined taking just over three hours.
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After their victories on Tuesday, each man praised the other.
“I have a lot of confidence in Felix. I always believe in him,” said Shapovalov. “If he can bring a good level, he can beat almost any player in the world.”
“It was a great effort from Denis a great way to start the day, to start the week,” said Auger-Aliassime. “It’s always better to arrive with a win in your pocket. Everyone is proud of our effort.”
Team Canada has been a force when both Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are on the team going all the back to the juniors when the pair teamed up to win the Junior Davis Cup in 2015. Canada has won 10 of 11 Davis Cup ties at the senior level when both men are on the roster, including Tuesday’s win over Argentina.
The lone loss was the 2019 final against a Rafael Nadal-led Spain in Madrid.
They will look to claim win No. 11 on Thursday against Finland. Auger-Aliassime was on the team that lost to the Finns last November in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup Final 8, but Shapovalov missed the knockout stage with a knee injury.
