Canada scores historic first-ever win over USA at Davis Cup

Canada has scored a historic victory at the Davis Cup Finals in Madrid.

For the first time in the 119-year history of the Davis Cup, which is effectively the World Cup of men’s tennis, Canada has defeated the United States. Canada previously had a 0-15 all-time record against its neighbours to the south.

They did so without the services of two of our country’s best players as well, as world No. 21 Felix Auger-Aliassime and Milos Raonic (No. 31) didn’t play due to injury.

Denis Shapovalov (No. 15) clinched it for Canada with a straight sets victory (7-6, 6-3) over No. 32-ranked American Taylor Fritz. Shapovalov’s win followed up Vasek Pospisil’s surprise victory (7-6, 7-6) over No. 36-ranked Reilley Opelka.

Once ranked as high as 25th in the world, Pospisil is currently 150th on the ATP Tour.

“It’s amazing, honestly it’s just such an honour to play for my country, represent it,” said Shapovalov. “I think the whole team is putting such an amazing effort. The fans are spectacular, it’s not just me, it’s the whole team and everyone around us.”

Canada are the first team to make it through to the quarter-finals! 🇨🇦👏#DavisCupMadridFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/zroHthd29r

— Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals (@DavisCupFinals) November 19, 2019

The win by Canada secured first place in Group F and puts them through to the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Shapovalov and Pospisil each scored upset wins on Monday to defeat Italy. Shapovalov took down world No. 8 Matteo Berrettini in three sets (7-6, 6-7, 7-6), while Pospisil defeated 12th-ranked Fabio Fognini (7-6, 7-5).

Both wins came in front of hundreds of Canadian tennis fans who have made the trip to Spain for the week-long event. This is the first year of the new Davis Cup format, which has streamlined its competition. ‘Ties’ are now a best-of-three rubbers format, consisting of two singles and one doubles match. The Finals replaces the World Group, with 18 countries competing in the Finals at a central location.

Who is ready to rumble? 🤔

🇨🇦 @TennisCanada is READY to rumble!!! 🙌🏻🥁🎺#DavisCupMadridFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/L8as7E21ZX

— Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals (@DavisCupFinals) November 19, 2019

Waiting for Canada in the quarters will be the winner of Group D — either Australia or Belgium. The Canadians could get a boost to their lineup, as Auger-Aliassime is nearing a return from an ankle injury.